Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A suspected illegal arms dealer has surrendered to police after opening fire on undercover officers during a sting operation in Bangkok. The suspect, who initially fled the scene, claimed he did not believe the officers were real police.

 

The arrest follows an operation led by Pol Maj Gen Kiattikul Sonthenare, commander of the Metropolitan Police Division 3, alongside senior officers and an investigative team. The operation aimed to dismantle a network selling illegal firearms online. However, when officers attempted to make an arrest, one suspect fired multiple shots, injuring a police officer and an undercover informant before escaping.

 

The confrontation occurred at a house in Soi Kanchanaphisek 9, Yaek 7, Khan Na Yao district. During the raid, one suspect managed to escape, sparking a citywide manhunt.

 

At around 06:30 on 23 March, police arrested Theppitak, also known as “Mai”, 47, at Bang Kruai Police Station in Nonthaburi after he turned himself in. Officers seized a .38 Smith & Wesson revolver with a registered serial number and a black leather gun holster. He later led police to his residence in Soi Nimitmai 40, Khlong Sam Wa, where additional weapons were found.

 

According to the investigation, Theppitak was part of an illegal firearm sales operation along with his associate, Michai or “Tum”, and Tum’s wife, “Tuk”. The group allegedly sold firearms via Facebook, with handguns priced at 35,000 baht. A police informant successfully arranged to purchase a .38 revolver, paying 5,000 baht in cash upfront, with the remaining amount to be transferred later.

 

On the night of the operation, undercover officers and an informant met with Tum at the agreed location in an alley. Tum retrieved the firearm from a white Toyota Corolla Cross, where Theppitak and Tuk were waiting. After confirming the gun’s authenticity, the officers moved in to make an arrest.

 

However, as soon as police identified themselves, Tum fled, and Theppitak drew a concealed firearm, firing three shots. One bullet grazed an officer’s left arm, while another struck the informant. A third shot was fired at another officer providing cover. In response, police returned fire, prompting Theppitak to flee in his car.

 

Following intense pressure from the authorities, Theppitak later surrendered at Bang Kruai Police Station. During questioning, he admitted that he and Tum had been selling guns, a trade they became involved in after meeting in Klong Prem Prison. Theppitak insisted he fired at officers because he did not believe they were real police.

 

After his surrender, police searched Theppitak’s residence and recovered multiple firearms, including:

 

• 9mm CZ Rami semi-automatic pistol

• 9mm CZ 75 semi-automatic pistol

• 9mm Beretta 92F semi-automatic pistol

• .22 revolver

 

The suspect now faces multiple charges, including:

 

1. Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition

2. Carrying firearms in public without a permit

3. Discharging a firearm in a public place without cause

4. Illegal firearm distribution

5. Attempted murder of a police officer

 

He has been handed over to investigators at Khan Na Yao Police Station for further legal proceedings.

 

 

-- 2025-03-24

 

20 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

The suspect, who initially fled the scene, claimed he did not believe the officers were real police.