Teen Gang Arrested for Ping-Pong Bomb Attacks in Korat
Police in Nakhon Ratchasima Province have arrested four teenage members of a high school gang known as the “102 Gang” after a string of violent incidents involving homemade explosives, weapons, and public vandalism. The suspects, aged 12 to 18, were apprehended in Huai Thalaeng district after social media videos exposed their actions to the public.
The teenagers had been seen throwing ping-pong bombs—homemade explosive devices—onto roads and into residential areas across several villages. Video footage showed the gang chasing rival teens, carrying knives and firearms, and damaging public property, including a village entrance sign in Ban Nonthong.
Local authorities launched an investigation after villagers in Muang Phlapphla subdistrict reported deep cuts and damage to their community sign. The scene of the vandalism, located about a kilometer from Ban Nonthong in a rural area surrounded by sugarcane fields and woodland, was littered with signs of violence.
Online Bragging Leads to Arrests
The gang’s own social media activity provided key evidence. Members regularly posted clips of their violent behavior on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, boasting about fights, weapons, and challenges to rival groups. These posts quickly went viral, drawing public outrage and leading to increased police pressure.
On Friday, Huai Thalaeng police detained four teens identified from the viral footage. Two of the suspects tested positive for methamphetamines, according to police. The investigation also revealed that the “102 Never Die Gang” comprises around 20 active members, while their main rivals reportedly have 32 members.
Police are now working to identify and summon additional suspects for questioning. The four teenagers currently in custody face potential charges related to possession of illegal weapons, explosive use, drug use, and public endangerment.
Gang Culture and Youth Violence in Thailand
Youth gangs remain a longstanding problem in Thailand, particularly among high school and vocational students. Gang rivalries are often rooted in school pride, traditions like SOTUS (a controversial seniority-based hazing system), and peer pressure. Fights between teen gangs are common in Bangkok and major provinces, with over 1,000 reported clashes in the first half of 2023 alone.
These fights frequently involve knives, machetes, handguns, and homemade bombs like the ones used in Huai Thalaeng. Fatalities are not uncommon, and innocent bystanders have occasionally been caught in the violence.
According to police, many young boys join gangs as a way to prove bravery or gain social status. Seniors sometimes pressure younger students into joining fights, further perpetuating a cycle of violence that can be difficult to break.
Police and Community Response
In response to the incident, Muang Phlapphla Police Station is coordinating with the Huai Thalaeng district chief and community leaders to crack down on gang activity. Among the immediate measures:
- Checkpoints are being established to prevent gatherings of gang members.
- Increased night patrols will monitor high-risk areas.
- Village leaders and school officials will be enlisted to help identify gang members.
- Youth counseling and drug rehabilitation options are being considered for offenders.
Locals had previously raised concerns about slow police responses to gang activity and fear that violence might escalate. Authorities say they are committed to swift action and preventative measures to restore peace.
Ongoing Investigation
The four arrested teens are currently being held at Huai Thalaeng Police Station for further interrogation. As investigators continue to collect evidence and interview suspects, additional arrests are expected in the coming days.
Authorities are urging parents, teachers, and community members to stay alert and report suspicious activity. The police have emphasized that tackling youth gang violence will require cooperation across schools, law enforcement, and families.
As the case develops, officials hope that the arrests will send a strong message to other youth gangs operating in the area—and help prevent further violence in Thailand’s northeastern provinces.
