A Chinese national was arrested in Chonburi after police discovered military-grade weapons, explosives and bomb-making plans at a rented house in Huai Yai, Bang Lamung district, on 8 May 2026.
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Police said the investigation began after a car driven by Mingchen Sun, 31, overturned in Na Jomtien. Officers searching the vehicle reportedly found a handgun, leading investigators to search a rented property linked to the suspect. A Taiwanese woman, identified as Ma, Yu-Hsin, 33, was also in the vehicle.
During the raid, officers said they recovered multiple assault rifles, including M4 assault rifles, ammunition, grenades, detonators and several blocks of C4 explosive. Authorities also reported finding a bulletproof vest rigged with C4 and connected to a remote triggering system, prompting an emergency evacuation of nearby residents while explosive ordnance disposal teams secured the scene.
According to police statements, officers discovered booby traps inside the property, including wires allegedly connected to grenade pins. Investigators also found military training videos on the suspect’s mobile phone showing firearms and grenade exercises in Cambodia, including footage linked to the BHQ or “Hun Sen bodyguard” training camp.
Police further stated that chats on the suspect’s phone showed conversations with ChatGPT discussing sabotage methods, potential targets and the destructive capability of C4 explosives. Authorities said investigators were examining whether the suspect intended to carry out an attack and if he had links to wider transnational criminal networks.
Additional items seized included gas masks, signal-jamming equipment, fake identity documents and passports from several countries. Security officials said some ammunition recovered bore markings linked to Thai military production. Investigators are also examining documents and coded notes found at the property.
The suspect told police he previously operated a liquor business in Cambodia before moving to Thailand. He reportedly claimed the weapons were purchased through a private LINE group several years ago in Rayong province. He also stated that the explosive vest was intended for suicide because he suffered from depression.
Pictures courtesy of Matichon
Bomb disposal officers later confirmed the explosive device had been safely defused. Senior officers from Provincial Police Region 2 travelled to the scene to oversee the operation, while forensic teams continued gathering evidence overnight.
Amarin reported that authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, with police focusing on the source of the weapons, possible cross-border links and whether additional suspects were involved.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 9 May 2026