Thailand: Violence in Phuket after two young men killed in police chase

An angry mob protested outside Thalang police station on Saturday night in Phuket, Thailand after two young men were allegedly killed in a police chase earlier on Saturday.

Prathomwat Panarak, 22, and a 17-year-old, who name has been withheld, were reportedly chased by police. This led their motorbike to reportedly crash on Tonsai Waterfall Rd in Thalang. 

A mob of people became violent and broke the window of Thalan Police Chief Lt Col Chanucharn Cholsuwat's office, reports The Phuket News. 700 Army and Police reinforcements were called in to handle the mob that surrounded the police station. The mob also reportedly set alight cars at Phuket police station. 

Phutket Governor Chamreon Tipayapongthada has said that whoever is behind damaging police property will be punished and will face a fine. 

Due to this rioting, all flights coming in or out of Phuket airport was also delayed/rerouted. 

Clip of Thalang police failed attempt to stop the teenagers, the chase that followed, and finally the deadly crash. https://t.co/4buMeHdamu

— Piriyathep K (@PKinbangkok) October 10, 2015

Phuket unrest affecting flights as road to airport blocked. #aviation #Thailand https://t.co/tFRVMkfNxw

— Steve Herman (@W7VOA) October 10, 2015

Video of fire deliberately set outside police station in Phuket, Thailand: https://t.co/FpTTgVkNiA

— Steve Herman (@W7VOA) October 10, 2015