BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered a deep and aggressive investigation after a Chinese national crashed a sedan in Na Jomtien, south of Pattaya, Chonburi, with authorities allegedly discovering a large cache of military-style weapons inside the vehicle. Speaking at Wing 6 Air Force Base in Don Mueang on May 9 after returning from the ASEAN Summit in the Philippines, Anutin revealed that Pol. Gen. Kitrat Phanphet had already briefed him on the shocking incident shortly after it occurred.
According to reports, officers from Na Jomtien Police Station inspected an overturned vehicle in Na Jomtien and discovered numerous war weapons inside. The driver was identified as a Chinese man. Anutin said he has instructed police and security agencies to urgently expand the investigation and trace the true source of the weapons, while determining whether the case is linked to transnational criminal networks.
“This raises serious concerns over how a foreign national could possess such a large quantity of weapons,” Anutin said, stressing that Thailand strictly prohibits unauthorized firearm possession.
The Prime Minister warned that anyone illegally carrying firearms faces severe legal consequences and said the case proves why authorities cannot relax gun control regulations.
When questioned about reports that investigators found possible links on the suspect’s mobile phone to Cambodia’s BHQ group, Anutin said officials must investigate every angle carefully and decisively.
He acknowledged the incident could eventually affect discussions surrounding Thailand’s visa-free entry policies, but emphasized that authorities must first gather clear evidence before drawing conclusions. Following the press briefing, Anutin jokingly turned to reporters and pointed toward military officials standing behind him, asking why they had not been questioned as well. He later praised Lt. Gen. Nattapong Praokaew, recently appointed secretary to the government’s special delegation on southern border issues, saying, “When it comes to negotiations, this man never disappoints.”
