Pattaya/Chonburi, Thailand — A 31-year-old Chinese national, Mingchen Sun, who faces serious charges for allegedly stockpiling assault rifles, ammunition, C4 explosives, and hand grenades in a Pattaya-area home, is exhibiting extreme psychological distress while in detention and refusing to eat, say police.
Authorities reported that the suspect has refused solid food for approximately two days since being transferred from Na Jomtien Police Station to the Immigration Bureau’s detention room in Chonburi early on May 10, 2026. He has consumed only water and chain-smoked cigarettes, often consuming two to three at a time. Officials described his facial expression as consistently tense and withdrawn.
Immigration and police officers assigned a psychologist to closely monitor and accompany him, engaging in conversations to help him relax. He is also receiving prescribed medication for depression, a condition he reportedly suffers from, including sleeping pills at night. Meanwhile he has stopped frequently expressing suicidal thoughts compared to the initial period after his arrest.
On the afternoon of May 11th, 2026, officers from the Chonburi Immigration Bureau transferred him back to Na Jomtien Police for return to Pattaya Provincial Court. He appeared impassive when led out and did not respond to reporters’ questions. He inquired about his medication before being placed in a detention vehicle. No relatives or associates have visited him or applied for bail during his extended custody.
The case began when Sun was involved in a single-vehicle accident in which his car overturned in the Na Jomtien area of Sattahip district, Chonburi. This led police to search his rented house in Huai Yai sub-district, Bang Lamung district, where they discovered a significant cache of prohibited weapons, including M4 assault rifles, handguns, ammunition, C4 explosives, and related equipment.
He faces multiple serious charges, including possession of unregistered firearms and ammunition, carrying firearms in public without justification, possession of explosives, and possession of military ordnance without permission. Each count carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison. He has reportedly confessed to the charges.
Investigations have expanded to include several Thai suspects, such as a shooting range instructor and active or former naval personnel allegedly linked to the supply of the weapons. Police have not ruled out connections to broader criminal networks or security threats, given the nature of the items found.
The suspect was initially remanded on May 9th and temporarily borrowed for further questioning by national police before being returned to court custody. He is expected to be held at Pattaya Special Remand Prison in Nong Plalai following the court appearance.
This case has drawn attention due to the volume and type of weaponry involved in a popular tourist area like Pattaya. Thai authorities continue to investigate the origins and potential networks behind the arms cache.
