Cyber Police Arrest 3 Selling Illegal Firearms Online to Fund Songkran Festivities

Picture of arrest.

Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) has apprehended three men for illegally selling firearms online, uncovering a social media network involving thousands of members trading in weapons. One of the suspects admitted to selling guns to fund car modifications, while another confessed he was trying to raise money to celebrate the Songkran festival.

The investigation began when CCIB officers discovered suspicious activity in a Facebook group with nearly 20,000 members, where illegal firearm sales were taking place. Undercover officers contacted a Facebook user named “Ben Kanasanun,” who agreed to sell them a modified blank-firing pistol resembling a Glock 19.

The transaction was arranged to take place near Wat Khao Phra Bat in Ban Laeng subdistrict, Rayong. At the meeting point, police arrested Mr Kanasanun, 20, and found a modified blank-firing handgun capable of firing .380 calibre rounds, along with one bullet and a magazine.

Following the arrest, police traced the source of the weapon to another Facebook account with the provocative name “Jup Jim Tee Rim Bueng (Backup 2).” The account was linked to individuals residing in Si Racha, Chonburi. Investigators persuaded Mr Kanasanun to arrange a further firearm purchase with the account holders, again scheduling the exchange at the same Rayong location.

At the second meeting, police intercepted a white Nissan without license plates, carrying two men later identified as Mr Phakphum (26) and Mr Sahasawat (25). A search of their vehicle and belongings uncovered another modified blank-firing pistol, a homemade break-action handgun, and a large quantity of .380 calibre ammunition.

Mr Kanasanun confessed to being an enthusiast of firearms, initially purchasing weapons for personal interest before realising he could profit by reselling them online, earning around 2,000–3,000 baht per gun. He stated the proceeds were used to customise his vehicle.

Mr Phakphum also admitted to purchasing firearms via Facebook pages and reselling them to fund Songkran festivities. Mr Sahasawat, however, denied any knowledge of the weapons, claiming he was merely accompanying his friend and unaware the guns were in the vehicle.

The three men now face charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and carrying weapons in public without a permit. All suspects, along with the seized firearms, ammunition, and the unregistered vehicle, were taken into custody and will be prosecuted in accordance with Thai law.

Investigations into related social media accounts are ongoing as authorities work to dismantle the broader network involved in the illegal arms trade.

-- 2025-04-13