Pattaya —
Dissolute teenagers in Pattaya vandalized the Chak Nok Public Park in Soi Thung Klom-Tan Man, spray painting on rocks and chopping down trees for fun.
The Chak Nok Public Park, managed by the Nong Prue Municipality, is usually opened to the public for exercise and relaxation, featuring large decorative stones and various species of trees. However, it recently has became a popular late-night hangout spot for teenagers in Pattaya.
Yesterday, July 27th, in the middle of the night, a large group of youngsters aged 14-18 years old gathered at the park overnight to cause a public disturbance. Nearby villagers complained to The Pattaya News that they heard the group carelessly revving up their motorbike engines for no apparent reason.
The worst thing is that after the group left the park, it was discovered that many trees, including the popular coconut trees, had been destroyed and chopped down. Additionally, various profane graffiti in the Thai language were found all over the decorative stones, creating a permanent eyesore for decent park users.
The park, in which the city had invested over 60 million baht for decorations over the years, is now riddled with damaged trees and dirty rocks, according to the reports.
One nearby resident, who saw the group, stated that around 20 teenagers often gathered there late at night to smoke and chat. They also rode their motorbikes recklessly around the park, having crashed into each other frequently.
The resident added that one of them also carried a long knife, dragging it around to vandalize trees. On some occasions, they even staged a fight among themselves, with groups of friends cheering them on, resembling a boxing arena, the resident stated.
In a message to the authorities, the resident said, “I would like to urge the relevant authorities to be more rigorous in preventing this incident as it is becoming more severe and has significantly ruined the park.”
The Pattaya News will provide an update on the authorities’ response once it becomes available. Some residents have suggested after a number of violent incidents with teens implementing a curfew for those under eighteen in Pattaya unless the teen is working or traveling with family. TPN media notes curfews for minors is a popular rule in some western countries but not in Thailand.
