Chonburi, Thailand – Thai authorities have detained and are intensively questioning a shooting range instructor and a Royal Thai Navy petty officer in connection with the alleged illegal sale of M4 assault rifles to Chinese nationals, part of a widening probe following the arrest of a Chinese man found with war weapons and C4 explosives as we have covered extensively such as here.
The development comes after police uncovered evidence of a suspected arms trafficking network in the eastern province of Chonburi. According to investigators, M4 rifles were being sold for approximately 200,000 baht (roughly US$5,900) per unit to Chinese buyers.
On May 9th, 2026, at around 4:36 p.m., a team of officers led by Police Sub-Lieutenant Asada Jarusombat, along with Pol. Sub-Lt. Phayom Homwattanawong and Pol. Lt. Theerachat Lebnark, took into custody two key individuals for further interrogation:
– Mr. Kachen, a shooting instructor at a Pattaya shooting range.
– Petty Officer 1st Class Methee of the Royal Thai Navy.
Both men are suspected of involvement in procuring and supplying the M4 rifles, which were then transferred to the Chinese suspect. Police sources indicate that the two suspects worked together with buyers to purchase the weapons and C4 explosives for around 200,000 baht.
The operation stems from the earlier arrest of a Chinese national accused of concealing military-grade weapons and C4 explosives in the Huai Yai area of Banglamung district. Authorities are now aggressively tracing the full supply chain.
Investigators are examining financial transactions, communication records, and connections among all parties involved to determine whether a larger underground network for smuggling and selling war weapons exists in the region. Both detained men have been taken to Na Jomtien Police Station for questioning.
No charges have been formally announced against the two men as of the latest update, and the probe remains active with both men presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
