Report Facebook Undercover Sting Busts Illegal Gun Dealers

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Picture courtesy of The Pattaya News

 

Two suspected illegal firearm dealers have been arrested in Thailand following undercover operations by the Tourist Police Command. The arrests occurred after officers discovered the suspects were selling illegal guns via Facebook, seizing weapons and ammunition in Pattaya and Ratchaburi.

 

Authorities, led by Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phuek-am, conducted two coordinated stings yesterday, targeting individuals allegedly engaged in illegal online gun sales. The operations are part of a broader effort to curb Thailand’s black market for firearms, which is seen as fuelling violent crime.

 

In the Bang Lamung district of Pattaya, officers tracked down a suspect known only as Krisada, or "Black," who had been advertising .380 calibre blank-firing guns on Facebook. Posing as buyers, undercover officers arranged a meeting at a local convenience store. Although Krisada initially appeared without firearms, video evidence forced a confession regarding the sale. Subsequent raids at his residence uncovered guns and ammunition advertised online.

 

Krisada admitted to deceiving buyers by substituting the items sold. He now faces charges including attempted illegal firearm sales and possession. He has been handed over to Nongprue Police for further legal action.

 

At the same time, another team in Ratchaburi intercepted a second suspect, Taweep, known as "Yong." He was found offering a Thai-made blank-firing gun and a Sig Sauer P228 (9mm) for sale at the price of 32,000 baht on Facebook. Undercover officers set up a delivery at a local convenience store, where Taweep was apprehended while planning to ship the guns via courier.

 

Officers discovered firearms and ammunition concealed within the parcel. Additionally, Taweep led them to an abandoned animal shelter, revealing more weapons hidden there. He faces multiple charges, including illegal possession and attempted sale without a permit, along with carrying firearms in public without authorisation. Taweep has been transferred to the Ban Pong Police for the prosecution process.

 

The arrests are a part of intensified efforts by the Royal Thai Police to dismantle illegal arms networks in the country. The widespread availability of firearms online is considered a threat to public safety, and authorities are determined to shut down these networks.

 

“These online gun deals are directly linked to violent crimes across the country. The Tourist Police Command is committed to shutting down these networks,” a spokesperson stated.

 

Efforts to crack down on Thailand's illegal arms trade are now a high priority for the Royal Thai Police. The quick, coordinated action in these two cases underscores the seriousness of the issue.

 

As the authorities intensify their efforts, Krisada and Taweep’s attempts at fast cash have instead led them to face serious legal consequences. The incidents highlight the dangers of illegal online marketplaces and the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling the spread of unlawful activities.

 

For these Facebook gunrunners, the pursuit of profit has ended in arrest, sending a clear message to others operating illegally online. The crackdown continues, aiming to dismantle the network of illegal firearm sales that threaten peace and safety across the nation.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-22