pA strange new phenomenon has recently emerged in the beachside resort towns of Pattaya and Hua Hin. Rowdy gangs of Thai youths have been hanging around outside Internet shops and attacking innocent people who leave the shops. Police believe the gang members get overexcited from playing violent video games inside the shops, then wait outside to beat up some unlucky person./p
pAn Australian tourist was one of the most recent victims of this random, senseless violence. Hua Hin is also experiencing the same disturbing trend. None of the victims can explain why they were picked for the beatings, which have been excessively brutal, but don’t involve theft. /p
pOne victim stated “it was just a quick, accidental look, like you would do to anybody. They just walked toward me and started to attack. I was trying to fight back but 6 of them attacked two of us, impossible. I needed 37 stitches. I hope the police do something soon.â€/p
pIn Hua Hin, one of the gangs is called Boy Devil, and is well known to the locals. The gangs often cruise the streets in packs of motorbikes looking for victims to beat. Video gamers seem a strange source for gang members, but the trend is real and gaining momentum among disaffected or bored youths looking to emulate their favourite online games. Internet shop patrons beware! /p