Hotpot Vendor Arrested for Illegal Online Gun Sales

Pictures courtesy of SiamNews

Police have arrested a 34-year-old hotpot restaurant owner for allegedly selling illegal firearms online, seizing a revolver, ammunition and a modified air gun during an undercover sting in Roi Et province. The arrest followed a cyber patrol operation targeting a public Facebook group suspected of facilitating unlawful weapons trading, with authorities saying the case highlights the continued use of social media platforms for serious criminal activity.

The operation was led by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, Division 3, after officers from the News Analysis and Special Tools Unit identified a large public Facebook group where members were openly posting offers to buy and sell illegal firearms. Officers infiltrated the group and engaged with a Facebook user who was advertising weapons, eventually negotiating the purchase of a .38 calibre revolver for 50,000 baht. A meeting was arranged for the exchange at Bung Plan Chai, along Sunthorn Thep Road, Nai Mueang subdistrict, Mueang district, Roi Et.

On 19 January 2026 at 7.35pm, officers led by Pol Col Adichat Amornpradit ordered a surveillance and arrest operation at the meeting point. When a black Honda Civic with Yasothon registration plates arrived and contacted the undercover buyer to inspect the weapon, police identified themselves and searched the vehicle. The suspect, Mr Panachai, aged 34 from Ubon Ratchathani province, was arrested at the scene.

During the search, officers seized a Smith & Wesson .38 calibre revolver, eight rounds of .38 ammunition and one modified air-powered gun, all found in the boot of the vehicle. Police confirmed that the weapons were unlicensed and illegal to possess.

During questioning, the suspect admitted ownership of the firearms and stated that he operates a hotpot restaurant business in the northeastern region. He told investigators that poor economic conditions had caused cash-flow problems, leading him to sell firearms through the Facebook group to raise money for business expenses.

SiamNews reported that police charged the suspect with illegal possession of a firearm without registration and carrying a firearm in a public place without permission. He was handed over to investigators for prosecution, while authorities said they would expand the investigation to trace the origin of the seized weapons and identify other individuals involved in online illegal gun sales.

Key Takeaways

• Police arrested a hotpot restaurant owner after an undercover cyber operation exposed illegal gun sales on Facebook.

• Officers seized a .38 calibre revolver, ammunition and a modified air gun during the arrest in Roi Et.

• Authorities are expanding the investigation to identify weapons sources and other online sellers.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Siamnews 2026-01-21