Thai Gun Trafficking Gang Busted in Chiang Rai

Thai authorities have launched a crackdown on a transnational gun trafficking network operating in Chiang Rai and nearby provinces, uncovering more than 400 forged firearms permits, used to traffic firearms, allegedly linked to former government officials and local administrative staff.

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The operation, named “Operation Eliminate the Leeches”, was carried out at 07.00 on 29 May 2026 under policies introduced by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The campaign forms part of the government’s wider anti-corruption and anti-crime initiative, aimed at tackling organised crime, narcotics and abuse of state authority.

The Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) said investigators identified irregularities in firearms licensing records at Chiang Khong district office in Chiang Rai between 2022 and 2023. Officials discovered an unusually high number of personal firearms purchase permits, known as Por.3 documents, had been issued without corresponding firearm possession licences, known as Por.4 permits.

Authorities believe forged official documents and falsified signatures were used to illegally obtain firearms. Following an investigation, DOPA secured search and arrest warrants from the Region 5 Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases and raided two locations linked to the network.

Picture courtesy of Naewna

Four suspects were arrested and officers seized three rifles, along with more than 200 rounds of ammunition and 89 shotgun shells. A fifth suspect, a former deputy district chief from Wiang Haeng district in Chiang Mai, remains at large.

The former official had already been dismissed from government service over a separate case involving the impersonation of foreign nationals. Investigators now believe he also played a role in forging Por.3 firearms permits in Chiang Khong district.

Authorities also arrested a member of the Chiang Khong Volunteer Defence Corps who allegedly gathered names and personal documents from applicants seeking Por.3 permits. Investigators said many of the names used belonged to village chiefs, assistants, local security volunteers and other officials who were unaware their identities had been used.

DOPA said evidence indicates the group operated as a large organised criminal network with clearly divided roles involving financiers, firearms brokers, corrupt state officials and gun shop operators. Investigators believe the weapons were purchased for smuggling into neighbouring countries.

Officials said more than 400 forged Por.3 permits have so far been identified, linked to over 400 firearms including shotguns, rifles and handguns. Some firearms were reportedly obtained through welfare schemes and licensed dealers.

Naewna reported that PM Anutin said illegal manipulation of firearms licensing posed a direct threat to national security and warned that all officials involved would face prosecution. He added that authorities would continue expanding the investigation and pursue everyone connected to the network at every level.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 30 May 2026