CHONBURI, Thailand – Pol. Gen. Kitrat Phanphet, Thai Police Chief, has ordered an intensive nationwide investigation after a Chinese suspect arrested in Chonburi was found in possession of a handgun previously linked to a Bangkok police officer, while authorities continue expanding a major weapons and explosives case in the Pattaya area. Speaking at Na Jomtien Police Station on May 9, the police chief praised officers whose sharp observations during a routine traffic accident investigation led to the discovery of a hidden weapons stockpile and explosives inside a house in Huai Yai, Banglamung district. The case began after a sedan driven by a Chinese national overturned in Na Jomtien. Officers noticed a gun magazine inside the vehicle, prompting a deeper search that allegedly uncovered military-style firearms, C-4 explosives, grenades, detonators, and tactical equipment at the suspect’s residence.
Investigators later discovered that the semi-automatic handgun found in the suspect’s possession originally belonged to an officer from Sai Mai Police Station. Police said the firearm had reportedly been sold multiple times within police circles before eventually ending up with the Chinese suspect. Authorities are now questioning the officer involved and tracing the chain of transfers.
Pol. Gen. Kitrat admitted that some officers facing financial hardship may illegally sell personally owned firearms, but stressed that any police personnel found violating the law would face strict disciplinary and criminal action.
Authorities have launched a broad investigation covering five major areas, including the suspect’s background, immigration history, business activities, weapons sources, communications, and financial transactions. Multiple agencies — including immigration police, intelligence units, Internal Security Operations Command, special branch police, and anti-bomb squads — are now involved.
Police also confirmed they are examining video clips allegedly showing the suspect participating in weapons training alongside individuals resembling Cambodian nationals. Investigators are now working to determine whether the training was linked to potential sabotage plots or wider security threats. Although no direct evidence of planned terrorist activity has yet been confirmed, Thai authorities described the case as a serious national security concern and vowed to “root out” any connected networks.
The police chief also instructed officers nationwide to intensify surveillance on suspicious foreign nationals operating under tourist status, especially in key tourism zones including Pattaya, Chonburi, Koh Samui, Phang Nga, Surat Thani, and Pai district in Mae Hong Son province. The Chinese suspect has since been taken for further questioning as investigators continue expanding the case and tracing the origins of the seized weapons and explosives. (Photo from Khao Sod)
