Saraburi—
On January 16th, 2024, the Thai Metropolitan Police Bureau captured two suspects in Kaeng Khoi, Saraburi, who allegedly fabricated firearms and ammunition, and illegally sold them on digital platforms.
According to a report by the police, crime statistics involving firearms used in robbery, stealing, and assault in an aggressive manner without fear of the law were increasing. The police as a result investigated and tracked down an illegal firearm network trading on online platforms.
The suspects were publicly identified only as Mr. Wimon, 39, and Ms. Chantana, 37, who were reportedly charged with possessing firearms and ammunition without permission, and assembling, repairing, importing, or selling firearms or ammunition for trade without permission.
The police confiscated ammunition, improvised firearms, and other evidence related to the case with a total of 57 items and 762 units.
Wimon said to the police that he graduated only from middle school and was employed in a steel-related job. However, he quit the job in early 2023 as his health deteriorated and chose to illegally fabricate firearms and ammunition which were his favorite hobby, said Wimon.
He further added that he reportedly studied how to assemble firearm parts on YouTube and used his old toilet as a gunsmithing room. He reportedly sold the guns for 16,000 baht per unit and was able to make as much as 120,000 baht per month, said the police.
Chantana, Wimon’s girlfriend, said to the police that she knew that her boyfriend illegally sold improvised firearms. However, she ignored them and thought that no police would come after them. She used some of the money to open a food stall in the area, said the police.
Initially, the police confiscated the property in dispute and escorted the couple to the Kaeng Khoi police station for further legal processing.
