Myanmar Men Arrested in Phuket After Posting Gun Training Video

Pictures courtesy of Daily News.

Two Myanmar nationals have been arrested in Phuket after posting a video of themselves practising with firearms, which led police to uncover a stash of drugs, cash and weapons.

At around 01:00 on 29 August, officers from Phuket City Police raided a rented room in Soi Yodsaneh 1, Chalong subdistrict, arresting Nge Htwe Don, 34, and Aye Thu, 32.

The operation followed the circulation of a video clip on social media on 27 August, showing a group of Myanmar men firing guns in a mangrove forest in Rassada, Phuket City district. Phuket City Police chief Pol Col Chatree Chukaew ordered an investigation, which quickly identified the suspects.

During the raid, police seized 22.6 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 175 methamphetamine pills, a handgun with five rounds of ammunition, three motorbikes and more than 107,000 baht in cash.

In questioning, Nge Htwe Don admitted posting the gun practice video online and confessed that the drugs belonged to him. He told police he was selling narcotics to Myanmar migrant workers in Phuket City and Chalong. The firearm, he said, had been purchased for self-defence.

Both men were charged with possession of Category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine and crystal meth) with intent to distribute, and with drug use.

Nge Htwe Don faces additional charges of illegal possession of a firearm and being an undocumented foreigner residing in Thailand.

The two suspects have been remanded in custody to face prosecution.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-08-30