Police Raid 5 Sites in Surat Thani, Arrest 3 in Online Gun Sales

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Police have dismantled an illegal online firearms network after raiding five locations in Surat Thani province, arresting three suspects and seizing a cache of weapons and ammunition. The operation was led by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) following evidence of illegal gun trading in online chat groups.

On November 3, Pol. Lt. Gen. Surapol Prembutr, Commissioner of the CCIB, ordered Pol. Maj. Gen. Sila Kanchanarak, Commander of CCIB Division 5, together with Pol. Col. Teera Chuasuwan and Pol. Lt. Col. Khomsan Somaon, to execute search warrants issued by the Surat Thani Provincial Court. Officers searched five targeted premises across the province, resulting in the arrests of three men: 35-year-old Sorayut, 29-year-old Pheechaphong and 26-year-old Phisit.

Police confiscated a large haul of evidence, including a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver, a shotgun, a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, Glock-compatible slide and barrel components, two firearm suppressors, 38 rounds of ammunition and 10 e-cigarettes. The seized weapons were allegedly displayed for sale or discussion in a Line group used for trading firearms and accessories.

Investigators had monitored the group and discovered that the suspects frequently posted images of guns, ammunition and gun parts. Further inquiry revealed that the three men possessed unregistered or unlawfully transferred weapons and had hidden them inside their homes. Officers subsequently secured warrants and carried out simultaneous searches across the five properties, uncovering the cache of illegal weapons.

During questioning, Pheechaphong reportedly admitted ownership of most of the seized items. He told police the shotgun was originally registered under a relative of his wife, purchased about four to five years ago and was still awaiting a transfer licence (Por.3). The 9mm CZ semi-automatic pistol, he claimed, was acquired from a friend two to three years earlier and had changed hands multiple times, making it impossible to trace the original owner. The ammunition and shotgun cartridges were purchased alongside the firearms, while the e-cigarettes were bought on Facebook for personal use.

Authorities said the arrests mark another success in efforts to crack down on online firearm trading and prevent illegal weapons from circulating. The suspects face multiple charges under The Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives and Imitation Weapons Act.

Key Takeaways

• Police raided five homes in Surat Thani and arrested three men linked to an online gun trading network.

• Officers seized several firearms, ammunition, gun components, and suppressors.

• The investigation continues as authorities aim to identify other members of the online network.

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  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Dailynews 2025-11-04