Crime Two Delivery Riders Arrested for Modifying & Selling Illegal Firearms Online in Pattaya

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

Two food delivery riders have been arrested in central Pattaya for illegally modifying blank guns into live firearms and selling them online. Police seized multiple weapons and tools used in the illegal operation, with a third suspect later apprehended in Sriracha following a sting operation.

 

Pol. Col. Man Rotthong, Chief Investigator of the Tourist Police Bureau, alongside Pol. Lt. Col. Kritporn Saengsura, led an operation that resulted in the arrest of Mr. Te, 24 and Mr. Pleng, 21. The pair were caught in possession of several modified firearms, including a Colt MMK4 and a Kimber pistol, both .380 calibre, along with seven rounds of ammunition, magazines and various tools such as drills, grinders, clamps and spare parts.

 

Investigators had earlier detected suspicious activity on Facebook, where a Kimber handgun was being advertised for 15,000 baht. Undercover officers arranged a meeting at Soi 1, Pattaya Second Road, where a suspect named Mr. Worakan arrived to deliver the weapon and was immediately detained. Further investigation led to a parked motorcycle nearby, guarded by Mr. Warasin, where another modified firearm was discovered hidden in the suspect’s waistband and inside the vehicle.

 

The two men reportedly confessed to modifying blank guns into real firearms for a fee of 2,500 baht per unit. Both work as delivery riders for a popular app, but claimed their regular income was insufficient, prompting them to take up illegal weapons modification as a side business. They insisted the guns were not intended for violent purposes.

 

A subsequent search of their rented accommodation uncovered a cache of equipment used in the firearm conversion process, all of which was seized as evidence. The suspects now face multiple charges including possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, carrying firearms in public without permission, and manufacturing and selling firearms without a licence.

 

In a related development, police were able to lure and arrest a third individual, Mr. Tom 50, in Sriracha. He had allegedly listed a Kimber Stainless Ultra Raptor II with .45 calibre ammunition for sale via Facebook. The weapon was handed over during a prearranged meeting, and Mr. Tom was apprehended on the spot. He has been transferred to Sriracha Police Station to face prosecution.

 

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the online firearms trade and have urged the public to report suspicious activity via official channels.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-06-17