Two Arrested in Thai Gun Intimidation and Debt Collection Case

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

The Technology Crime Suppression Division in Mueang Thong Thani has arrested two men, Satawat and Pirawit, aged 25 and 26 respectively, for using social media to brandish firearms in a bid to intimidate rivals while collecting debts. Their arrests were announced on March 27 at a press conference led by Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phiwphan.

 

The operation followed after a search warrant was issued by the Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Court, allowing the police to apprehend the suspects outside a house in Pho Sadet subdistrict, Mueang district. Confiscated evidence included firearms and ammunition.

 

Lt. Gen. Trirong explained that the arrests were part of efforts to curb youth-related violent altercations in Nakhon Si Thammarat, often involving weapons. Reports indicated that these groups used social media platforms to display their firearms, intimidating rivals in the process.

 

Police Colonel Nattawut Chomchoei detailed that Satawat was found near the bus terminal with a Glock 30 pistol and 16 rounds of .45 calibre ammunition. He confessed to acquiring the weapon through a social media transaction for 30,000 baht (around US$885), claiming the firearm was for self-defence.

 

 

 

Simultaneously, Pirawit was arrested at a different location with a mobile phone holding evidence of unlawful lending activities. It was revealed that he managed an illegal loan operation with exorbitant interest rates, capitalising on firearms, vehicles, and valuables as collateral.

 

Pirawit admitted to collaborating with Satawat, using him to collect debts through intimidation with firearms, a tactic sanctioned by an unnamed financier funding the loans.

 

The suspects now face charges of illegal possession and carrying of firearms. Investigations by the Technology Crime Suppression Division are ongoing, with further legal proceedings to take place at the Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat Police Station.

 

This case underscores the intersection of online intimidation and illegal financial practices, prompting continued police vigilance against such activities in the region, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-28