Forest Official Arrested for Carrying Firearm on Bus to Korat

Picture of arrest

A forestry official has been arrested at Bangkok’s Chatuchak Bus Terminal for carrying a firearm while travelling to visit his girlfriend in Nakhon Ratchasima. He claimed he was afraid of leaving the weapon at home due to concerns over theft.

At approximately 08:30, on February 18, Pol. Lt. Col. Woraphat Sukthai, Deputy Superintendent of Bang Sue Police Station, received a report from security officers at the Bangkok Bus Terminal, about a suspicious man carrying a firearm. Police officers, including Pol. Capt. Piyarat Pawitthatri and other members of the Bang Sue patrol unit, were dispatched to investigate.

Upon arrival, officers identified the suspect as Mr. Chaiwat, 52, a resident of Phang Nga province. He was preparing to board a bus to Nakhon Ratchasima when police noticed his nervous behaviour. A search of his shoulder bag uncovered a 9mm semi-automatic pistol (serial number VJC0308 – Bangkok 4411363), along with a magazine, 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and a black gun holster.

Mr. Chaiwat was immediately charged with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition without a permit to carry (under Section 12 of the Firearms Act) and for carrying a firearm in public without reasonable cause.

During questioning, he stated that he worked for the Department of Forestry and was travelling to Phimai district in Nakhon Ratchasima to visit his girlfriend. He explained that he had taken the firearm with him because his house was often left unoccupied, and he feared it might be stolen. Although the weapon was legally registered, he admitted that he did not have a permit to carry it in public.

The suspect has been handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings.

-- 2025-02-19