It is probably the best suffix to use to describe them.
-파 means a loosely associated people who share some characteristics or who follow the same cause or trend. It is very broadly used for both good and bad groups of people (e.g. 인상파 = The Impressionists).
There is -단 which is for more closely organized groups (for good or bad cause), and -패 (as in 깡패) for smaller and more informal groups. -파 sits between these and can describe the loose organization of gangs better.
Actually, those labeled as XX-파 are usually bigger than what you may call 깡패(들). They are often called 조폭 (short for 조직폭력배 = organized thugs). 깡패 is a term for small time, not so organized street thugs.