Cyber police have arrested three men accused of running an illegal online firearms sales operation, seizing multiple weapons and ammunition during the operation. Authorities said the suspects admitted to running the business for several years. The arrests were carried out on 12 March 2026 following an investigation by the Cyber Crime Investigation Division.
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The suspects were identified as Thawatchai Paengpeng, 35, Thanaphat Pitakjanakul, 41, and Apisit Siripraphan, 26. Officers seized eight firearms and 153 rounds of various ammunition as evidence. All three face multiple firearms-related charges including attempting to sell firearms without permission and possessing weapons illegally.
The investigation began after officers from Cyber Crime Division 3 discovered a Facebook account advertising firearms for sale online. Undercover police contacted the seller and arranged a sting purchase of a 9mm handgun for 12,000 baht. The meeting was scheduled at a petrol station in Muang Kao Subdistrict, Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province.
At the agreed location, police observed Thawatchai driving a car with Thanaphat and Apisit as passengers. Investigators said the two men were acting as lookouts to monitor for police presence during the transaction. Officers moved in and arrested all three suspects while seizing the handgun that had been offered for sale.
The operation was overseen by Pol. Lt. Gen. Surapol Prembutr, Commander of the Cyber Crime Investigation Division, along with Pol. Lt. Gen. Naradet Thiprak, Commander attached to the Royal Thai Police Office, and Pol. Maj. Gen. Komkrit Sukthai, Commander of Cyber Crime Division 3. The arrest team included Pol. Col. Prasert Wangboonsang, Superintendent of Division 2, Cyber Crime Division 3, and Pol. Lt. Thanet Kalakul, Inspector of Division 2.
During preliminary questioning, Thawatchai allegedly confessed to purchasing firearms from online websites for around 6,700 baht each. He then resold the weapons through Facebook groups for profit over a period of several years. Police said Thanaphat and Apisit assisted by monitoring for police presence and providing warnings during gun sales.
Following the arrests, officers conducted a search of Thawatchai’s apartment in Mueang Khon Kaen District. During the search, police seized an additional seven firearms including one shotgun, two nine-millimetre pistols, one .38 calibre pistol, one modified pistol of unknown calibre, one shotgun pistol, and one long gun of unknown calibre.
Authorities also recovered more than 153 rounds of various types of ammunition from the property. Police said the evidence has been secured for further legal proceedings.
All three suspects now face charges of jointly attempting to sell firearms and ammunition without permission, jointly possessing firearms and ammunition without authorisation and jointly carrying firearms in public places without permission or valid reason.
ThaiRath reported that investigators said the case highlights ongoing concerns about illegal weapons sales through social media platforms. Authorities indicated further investigations may be carried out to identify additional buyers or suppliers connected to the operation.
Picture courtesy of ThaiRath
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thairath 14 Mar 2026