PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN: Police have pressed assault charges against nine members of two gangs involved in a brawl at Bang Saphan Noi Hospital in Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Pol Maj Gen Surasak Suksawaeng, chief of Prachuap Khiri Khan police, said on Wednesday said police have pressed assault charges against nine men involved in the fight in front of the public hospital’s emergency room after examining CCTV footage.
The nine suspects included six men from Tha Muang gang and three other from Yai Chim gang, said the police chief.
The six men from the first gang were identified as Pitsanu Thongrak, 28; Itthiphon Thongrak, 34; Jirasak Longroi, 35; Anuwat Phoonthong, 33; Archanai Buakham 29; and Atthaphon Pongsao, 27. The three from the second gang were Santichai Makyod, 32; Chavalit Odthawee, 32, and Chalit Odthawee, 30.
The hospital in Bang Saphan Noi district of this southern resort province erupted in chaos when the brawl started in front of the emergency room late Monday night. The incident occurred shortly after one gang member was sent to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries suffered in an earlier fight at a restaurant in the district.
Six men were injured during the hospital brawl.
A police interrogation found that members of Tha Muang gang had been drinking alcohol and throwing water at passers-by along Nong Hatthai-Bang Saphan Road during the Songkran celebrations on Monday. The gang later got involved in a quarrel with members of Yai Chim gang at a roadside restaurant before the quarrel escalated into a brawl,Thai media reported.
Bang Saphan Noi Hospial director Somgpong Pattanakitpairot and hospital staffers met police interrogators on Wednesday to give further information about the incident.
Dr Sompong filed another charge against Mr Santichai for causing damage to a Buddha statue. The hospital put the Buddha statue for people to pour water and pay respects during the Songkran festival. During the fight, Mr Santichai threw the statue at his rival gang members.