Photo via Facebook/ Phuketandamannews

 

In a dramatic turn of events, police in Phuket apprehended a Russian national today, after he fled arrest in Bangkok. The 27-year-old, whose name remains undisclosed, was wanted on charges related to illegal firearm possession.

 

The arrest, executed by officers from the Phuket Provincial Immigration Bureau, followed a warrant issued by Bangkok's Phra Khanong Criminal Court on July 31. The charges stem from allegations that he possessed firearms without the necessary permits. Despite his capture, the suspect firmly denies all allegations.

 

Under Thai law, particularly Section 7 of the Act on Firearms, possessing a gun without permission can lead to severe penalties. These include a possible 10-year prison sentence and fines reaching up to 20,000 baht (approximately 556,000 Thai Baht), or both.

 

This arrest is part of a broader campaign against illegal firearms in Thailand. In June, a Thai national was arrested in Phuket with a homemade .38-calibre pistol and four rounds of ammunition. Further south, in Krabi, a 25-year-old man was stopped at a checkpoint on Phetkasem Road. His vehicle, found to contain multiple firearms, marked another success for local law enforcement. He eventually admitted to the smuggling charge.

 

Recent weeks have seen significant action in Bangkok as well. Just last week, a notable operation led to the arrest of a businessman and political activist. Authorities discovered 12 guns and over 1,940 rounds of ammunition in his possession, alongside cocaine and crystal methamphetamine equipment.

 

This businessman’s arrest followed serious allegations from a Thai woman, who accused him of drugging and physically abusing her. Another woman, a party entertainer, supported these claims, revealing she previously hesitated to report due to fears of his powerful connections.

 

These incidents underscore Thailand’s ongoing struggle with illegal firearms and drug-related crime. Authorities are ramping up efforts to curb the spread of illicit weapons and protect vulnerable communities. Such actions demonstrate a commitment to ensuring safety and upholding the rule of law.

 

As the investigation into the Russian national’s case continues, it highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in tracking down those who flout the law by crossing provincial borders. It also serves as a warning to others attempting similar crimes that the reach of justice is far and wide.

 

This wave of arrests signals Thailand’s determination to clamp down on illegal activities, reinforcing that evading the law is becoming increasingly difficult. As the nation watches, authorities are sending a clear message: Thailand will not tolerate those who endanger its communities through illegal firearms and drugs.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-14

 

Seem’s Vlad “the businessman” is low life POS and needs repatriating.

1 minute ago, IsaanGuy said:

Seem’s Vlad “the businessman” is low life POS and needs repatriating.

To the front line... one of Putin's finest

"....and fines reaching up to 20,000 baht (approximately 556,000 Thai Baht), or both".

 

Heh?

1 hour ago, IsaanGuy said:

Seem’s Vlad “the businessman” is low life POS and needs repatriating.

 

Send him to Alaska 

A foreigner should not be able to possess firearms in any country. This article talks about not having a permit. Can a foreigner get a permit to own firearms here? Hope not. It’s a clear sign of being involved in illegal activities. 

3 hours ago, IsaanGuy said:

Seem’s Vlad “the businessman” is low life POS and needs repatriating.

I don't get the fine bit --10 yrs and 20,000 baht or 556k bhat or both, is that supposed to read 10yrs + 20k fine or no Jail and 556 k fine , I think the Rusky would opt for the 556k is this is the case.

3 hours ago, AustinRacing said:

A foreigner should not be able to possess firearms in any country. This article talks about not having a permit. Can a foreigner get a permit to own firearms here? Hope not. It’s a clear sign of being involved in illegal activities. 

What rubbish. Just because a person has a firearm doesn’t mean that they are in to illegal activities. There are many reasons why a foreigner, or a Thai, would have a gun other than for illegal activities. There are shooting clubs here, either used for training or sport. There are firearms competitions, it’s even an Olympic sport. Keeping a gun in the house for protection of the house and family is also a valid reason to have a gun.

3 hours ago, AustinRacing said:

A foreigner should not be able to possess firearms in any country. This article talks about not having a permit. Can a foreigner get a permit to own firearms here? Hope not. It’s a clear sign of being involved in illegal activities. 

 

Years ago, foreigners could jump through some significant hoops and get a permit if they qualified.  I knew a few long term expats that got theirs.   None of them were criminals, or participated in criminal activities.

 

That program was closed to foreigners around 2017 or so. 

 

I don't know if the foreigners with pre-existing permits were grandfathered in or not.

 

22 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

it highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in tracking down those who flout the law by crossing provincial borders.

 

Some landlord/hotelier "forgot" to submit a TM30 for 'Dmitry'?

 

 

 

"fines reaching up to 20,000 baht (approximately 556,000 Thai Baht)"  They post that conversion many times, but I don't understand. How many different baht are they?

10 hours ago, Falcon said:

What rubbish. Just because a person has a firearm doesn’t mean that they are in to illegal activities. There are many reasons why a foreigner, or a Thai, would have a gun other than for illegal activities. There are shooting clubs here, either used for training or sport. There are firearms competitions, it’s even an Olympic sport. Keeping a gun in the house for protection of the house and family is also a valid reason to have a gun.

Not everything done in the US is welcome everywhere.  Nobody needs a gun here. If someone breaks into your house do you just shoot them ? Kids have guns here too ! You are promoting violence .