Makkasan: Seven youths, aged between 13 and 17, were arrested for assaulting and robbing a Japanese national in Makkasan Park. The mother of one of the suspects tearfully apologized, acknowledging that her son was influenced by his friends.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Yuki, a 43-year-old Japanese national, was the victim of the attack. He sustained injuries to his ear, knee, and neck and reported the incident to the Makkasan Police Station. Mr. Yuki recounted that around 8:30 PM on August 12th, while near the Makkasan Airport Rail Link station, he was approached by six teenagers riding on two bicycles. The group demanded money, and upon his refusal, they physically assaulted him before he managed to escape and seek assistance from bystanders.
Following the report, Pol. Gen. Siam Boonsom, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, directed an immediate investigation to apprehend the suspects. The investigative team, led by Pol. Col. Uramphon Khundechsamrit, successfully arrested all seven suspects late on August 13th and confiscated the motorcycles used in the crime.
The investigation revealed that the suspects are all juveniles. A multidisciplinary team has been assembled to delve into the motives behind the crime. Despite the suspects' admission of guilt, the case remains inconclusive due to insufficient details. Authorities plan to summon Mr. Yuki for further questioning to clarify the incident before charges are formally filed. The youths are scheduled to appear before the Juvenile Court.
In a meeting with investigators, the parents of the suspects, along with the youths, faced questioning. The mother of one suspect revealed that her son, who had only completed sixth grade, was heavily influenced by his peers due to a lack of parental supervision. She denied her son's involvement in the physical assault or theft but expressed remorse for the situation.
The mother of the 13-year-old suspect emotionally apologized, noting this was the first instance of her son's violent behavior. She attributed it to negative peer influence and urged her son to take responsibility for his actions. She expressed her continued support for her son and requested the legal process to proceed fairly.