Picture courtesy of Pattaya News

 

In a significant crackdown on illegal firearms, Thai police arrested two motorbike taxi drivers in a late-night operation on June 15 in Pattaya. The pair was implicated in the production and sale of homemade guns, bringing an end to their dangerous side business in the bustling beach town.

 

The sting was coordinated by National Police Chief Police General Kittirat Phanphet alongside Police Lieutenant General Sakyasira Phueak-am, head of the Tourist Police Bureau. They acted upon discovering that the suspects were marketing converted firearms on Facebook.

 

Undercover officers from the Tourist Police Investigation Division, led by Police Colonel Man Rotthong and Police Lieutenant Colonel Kritphol Saengsura, set up the operation. The first target, Worakan, also known as “Tae,” was apprehended after arranging a sale on Pattaya Second Road. Initially denying involvement, the 24-year-old soon broke down and disclosed the details of the gun-running operation, leading them to his partner, 21-year-old Warasin, or “Song,” who awaited nearby on a motorbike.

 

Upon searching Warasin, officers uncovered a Thai-modified Colt MMK4 loaded with seven live .380 calibre rounds concealed in his waistband. Another modified firearm, a Kimber .380, was stowed on the bike’s dashboard, illustrating the extent of their operation.

 

A subsequent raid on a nearby residence uncovered a fully equipped workshop. Police found tools essential for converting innocuous blank guns into lethal weapons, including drills, grinders, and spare parts. This evidence painted a clear picture of the illegal activity taking place behind closed doors.

 

The duo confessed, explaining they turned to illegal arms dealing out of financial desperation. Worakan admitted to purchasing blank guns and handing them over to Warasin for conversion. Warasin charged 2,500 baht for each firearm modification and even demonstrated his process to the astonished officers, although they argued the weapons were meant merely to support their living costs and leisure activities.

 

Despite their claims, law enforcement wasn’t convinced. Worakan now faces charges of possessing an unlicensed firearm and carrying one publicly without legal cause. Warasin, seen as the principal operator, is facing more severe charges, including manufacturing and selling illegal firearms and ammunition.

 

Both suspects have been taken to Pattaya City Police Station and await prosecution. Authorities emphasised the dangers posed by such operations and vowed to continue efforts to dismantle illegal arms networks.

 

In a related bust, the same police unit arrested 50-year-old Witoon, nicknamed “Tom,” in Sriracha, Chon Buri. He was caught attempting to sell a Kimber Stainless Ultra Raptor II (.45 calibre) and ammunition for 75,000 baht via Facebook. Witoon faces comparable charges and has been transferred to Sriracha Police Station for further legal action.

 

These back-to-back operations underscore the Thai police's commitment to tackling illegal arms distribution, ensuring safety and legality remain priorities in regions known for vibrant nightlife and tourism.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-17

 

 

Really a dangerous place.But they want admit it.

I miss a lathe, surely that is the least you need to convert guns.

Does anyone have another one for sale? ;-))

Thoughts and prayers for their long term imprisonment. Guns do kill people.