Bang Yai: Intense discussion has erupted involving department stores, police, and local government officials over an incident at a department store on Rattanathibet Road in the Sao Thong Hin Subdistrict, Bang Yai District, Nonthaburi Province. The event occurred last night at approximately 10:15 p.m. and involved a physical altercation among a group of men and women scrambling to reserve a limited edition bag from a popular brand.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident was sparked by the brand's announcement of a limited edition release of only 300 bags, which are highly sought after by teenagers. However, the scene was dominated by middle-aged men and women, known as 'carriers', who were hired to secure spots in line. The scramble for a place in line turned violent, with reports of women having their hair pulled out in clumps and men being pushed and rolling on the ground.
Bang Yai Police Station officers and security guards were deployed to the scene to disperse the group of shoplifters. The brand has since announced an indefinite halt on the sale of the A Day Bag Medium. The limited edition bags allowed for 150 reservations per day, with each person having a quota of only two bags. 'Carriers' received payments of 800 baht for two bags, 700 baht for one, and 400 baht for not securing any. The altercation arose because more than 150 people were present, leading to a fierce and physical dispute.
In response to the incident, Pol. Col. Sirapop Anusiri, Superintendent of Bang Yai Police Station, Mr. Wathana Rakcharoen, Deputy District Chief of Bang Yai, along with executives from Central Westgate Shopping Mall and representatives from the bag brand convened to discuss preventive measures. They inspected the area and walked around the shopping mall to set up surveillance measures to avoid future occurrences.
The management of Central Westgate shopping mall emphasized their commitment to customer safety and are considering enhanced security measures. Proposed actions include increasing the number of CCTV cameras, adjusting camera angles to cover risky areas, and boosting security personnel during peak hours and high-demand events.
A representative from the bag brand stated their opposition to customer violence and their willingness to collaborate with officials to prevent such incidents. The company is exploring changes to their product distribution system to alleviate congestion and prevent conflicts, such as establishing controlled pick-up points. The brand has issued an apology on their Facebook page.
In the aftermath, Mr. Suprem, 45, was left unconscious, and Ms. Sirilak, 27, suffered bruising. Both have filed complaints, and police are reviewing mall CCTV footage and a citizen-recorded clip to identify and charge the perpetrators, who have now been identified.
