SATTAHIP, Thailand – Panic swept through the Sattahip market area Sunday evening when a man was reported carrying what appeared to be a 9mm handgun and threatening passing motorists, prompting police to rush to the scene. The incident was reported at around 7 p.m. on August 16, when residents alerted Sattahip Police that a man was holding a gun along the inbound road to Sattahip Market, in front of Ban Sattahip School.
Police quickly dispatched investigation officers, motorcycle patrols and vehicle patrols to contain the situation and prevent a potentially dangerous confrontation. Officers found a 42-year-old man, identified as Saran, standing beside the road while holding what appeared to be an automatic pistol. Police immediately identified themselves, detained the man and seized the weapon for inspection.
The apparent handgun turned out to be a plastic replica decorated in a military camouflage pattern, rather than a functioning firearm.
Police nevertheless took the man into custody for further investigation, including a urine test for possible drug use, before proceeding under the law. Motorcycle patrol officers said the man had previously been arrested twice for offences involving inhaling volatile substances. Officers said his behaviour during the latest incident appeared more alarming than during previous encounters.
Police said they would take firm legal action to prevent the suspect from returning to cause further alarm or disruption in the community.
