Pattaya, Thailand-
Two people in separate incidents have been arrested in the Pattaya area for possession of illegal firearms.
On the evening of August 12th, 2023, Pol. Col. Nawin Sinthurat led a team of officers from the Banglamung Police to focus on illegal firearms in and around the Pattaya area.
In the first incident, investigative officers noticed a Thai woman on Soi 33 in Naklua acting erratic and suspicious outside of her rental room, disturbing the peace. The woman was later identified as Ms. Buakhao Fakthet, 44, and she was found to be in possession of an unlicensed 9mm handgun, spare magazines, and ammunition.
Ms. Buakhao explained that she had the weapon for self defence as she lived alone and suffered from health issues. Police, however, reminded her that she must have a legal license for a firearm regardless of the reason of ownership and arrested her.
In the second incident, investigative police arrested Mr. Boon Sueb, or Sueb Netkhae, 43, for possession of an imitation firearm with actual bullets.
Sueb was found walking on Soi Golf Course, Moo 6, in the Nongprue area and acting suspicious. When inspected by relevant investigative officers the firearm in question was discovered on his person. Sueb claimed, however, that the weapon was not his and that he had found it a garbage dump.
Police were skeptical of this claim. Both suspects remained in custody at the Banglamung Police Station as of press time facing various charges in relation to illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
