Pattaya –
21 teenagers from Songkhla have been arrested this morning in Pattaya after allegedly attacking a jet ski operator at Koh Larn.
A team of officers led by Major Chainarong Thongin of the Pattaya City Police have arrested a total of 21 Thai teenage suspects (13 males, 8 females).
The group of suspects told Pattaya police that they were on a New Year holiday at Koh Larn from Songkhla.
Yesterday afternoon, January 2nd, 2020, the group had agreed to rent four jet-skis in total according to both the jet ski operator and the suspects. While they were waiting for the operator to prepare those jet-skis some of the suspects began to play around and take photos on the marine equipment.
The jet-ski operator had not allowed them to take photos and mess around on the jet skis and the two sides began to get into a verbal argument.
The suspects then stated that they wanted to cancel the service and wanted their money back. At this point, a fight began as the group allegedly assaulted the jet ski owner. They fled the scene and scattered across the island, leaving the jet ski owner severely injured.
News of the attack went viral on Thai social media and across the small island community. It took several hours to catch all the suspects, some who went into hiding on Koh Larn after they became aware police were hunting for them.
19 of the suspects tested positive for methamphetamine according to Pattaya Police. Pattaya police are continuing their investigation for further legal action and the suspects remain in custody.
The victim is recovering after spending the night in a local hospital and his name was not given to the press by Pattaya Police.
