Police in Chon Buri, are questioning a shooting range instructor and a Royal Thai Navy petty officer over allegations they supplied rifles to a Chinese buyer, as part of an ongoing investigation into an arms cache linked to military-grade explosives discovered in Huai Yai, Bang Lamung district.

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The alleged sales price was around 200,000 baht per rifle, according to investigators, who are examining whether repeated transactions took place over time. Officers are now expanding inquiries into a wider suspected arms trafficking network operating in the region, with potential cross-border implications.

Authorities said the case stems from the arrest of a Chinese national found with military-grade weapons and C4 explosive materials in the Huai Yai area of Chon Buri province, prompting broader scrutiny from law enforcement agencies. Following that arrest, investigators traced possible supply routes for the firearms through seized evidence and communications analysis, leading them to two Thai military-linked suspects identified as Mr Kachen, a shooting range instructor and Petty Officer Methee of the Royal Thai Navy. Both men have been taken in for further questioning at Na Jomtien Police Station.

The investigation also found that another of the firearms purchased by the Chinese suspect originally belonged to a deputy inspector of Sai Mai Police Station. It was later pawned to a colleague while the officer was serving in the Metropolitan Police Investigation Division 2 in 2011, then resold to officers at Tao Poon Police Station, later transferred again to an administrative officer within the MPB, and finally sold to a deputy inspector at Huai Khwang Police Station who has since been dismissed from service and imprisoned for over three years in a corruption case involving e-cigarettes.

That firearm changed hands through four different owners in total. Ms. Praw, the suspect’s former girlfriend and the ex-partner of the police officer involved, allegedly helped facilitate the purchase after the Chinese suspect expressed interest in acquiring a gun, with the transaction price set at 100,000 baht. Metropolitan Police Division 2 and MPB Administration Division have now ordered a fact-finding committee to investigate all officers involved further.

Police investigators are examining financial transactions, communications records and connections between all parties to determine whether an organised arms smuggling network is operating in the area. The Royal Thai Police have emphasised a professional investigation approach while expanding evidence gathering. The investigation remains ongoing.

Naewna reported that they are continuing interrogations and analysis of seized evidence to establish the full scope of the alleged arms distribution network and identify additional suspects if present. Further legal action will depend on forensic and financial findings. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether further arrests will be made.

Picture courtesy of Naewna

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 10 May 2026

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Looks like a simple traffic accident is going to have far wider, and more serious implications once the "fact finding committee" reveals its findings!

2 hours ago, Jim Waldron said:

Looks like a simple traffic accident is going to have far wider, and more serious implications once the "fact finding committee" reveals its findings!

Assuming the "fact finding committee" reveals it true findings. If recent history is any teacher, Influential people and groups involved in the arms trade will not be mentioned, and an appropriate "patsy" highlighted,

This accident was highly fortuitous for all the possible future victims. Pattaya Plod's blushes have been spared with some proper cops imported from Bangkok. I wonder how much egg will be found on RTA's face?

18 minutes ago, mikebell said:

This accident was highly fortuitous for all the possible future victims. Pattaya Plod's blushes have been spared with some proper cops imported from Bangkok. I wonder how much egg will be found on RTA's face?

Can you please explain how this effects Pattaya police?

The crash occurred in Na Jomtien (Sattahip ) and he lived Huay Yai (Huay Yai Police Station), nothing to do with Pattaya police, but again lets not allow reality get in the way of your tunnel vision.

As is standard in such a case Chonburi Provincial police (covers both areas) are involved, along with senior national officers.

UPDATE

Police Detain Another Navy Suspect in Gun Probe

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

Thai police have detained another suspect linked to an expanding investigation into military-grade weapons allegedly sold to a Chinese national in Chon Buri province, while forensic teams intensify analysis of explosives and firearms seized during raids connected to the case. Investigators confirmed that a suspect, identified only as “Sergeant Boy”, accused of sourcing weapons for the Chinese suspect, was brought in for questioning at Na Jomtien Police Station on May 10. Authorities are also pursuing another military-linked suspect known as “Sergeant Haeb” as the inquiry widens.

The investigation began after police arrested Mingchen Sun, a 31-year-old Chinese national, following a car crash in the Na Jomtien area of Chon Buri. During an inspection of the overturned vehicle, officers discovered firearms and magazines, leading to further searches at a house in Huai Yai where police seized military weapons, high-explosive devices, anti-personnel explosives and grenade-type devices, totalling 10 explosive items.

Investigators also confiscated bomb-making components and large quantities of fuel from the property. The suspect was later transferred to Pattaya Immigration Office after prolonged questioning. Police said he appeared physically exhausted and required regular medication throughout detention.

On the morning of May 10, explosive ordnance specialists from the Office of Police Forensic Science travelled to Na Jomtien Police Station to conduct detailed examinations of the seized firearms, ammunition and explosives. Officers are focusing on tracing the origins of the weapons and determining whether additional explosive materials remain unaccounted for.

Police teams have meanwhile travelled to Sattahip to locate two navy personnel suspected of involvement in supplying firearms. The operation follows the earlier questioning of shooting instructor Mr Chen, Petty Officer First Class Methee of the Royal Thai Navy and 51-year-old Chamlong, identified as the owner of a bank account allegedly used during the transactions and as the person who delivered weapons to the Chinese suspect.

Investigators outlined an alleged weapons procurement chain in which Mr Chen contacted Petty Officer Methee to source firearms for interested Chinese buyers. Methee allegedly contacted Sergeant Haeb, who then coordinated with Sergeant Boy to obtain the guns. Chamlong is alleged to have allowed his bank account to be used for transfers linked to the sales.

Separately, immigration officials revoked the visa of a Taiwanese woman who was travelling with suspect at the time of the crash. Police said questioning had not yet established whether she had any involvement in the weapons case, but she has been detained pending further investigation.

Khaosod reported that the case has also prompted scrutiny within the Royal Thai Police after investigators discovered that some seized firearms were registered to Metropolitan Police Bureau officers. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom has appointed a six-member fact-finding committee to investigate whether serving officers were connected to the weapons recovered from properties linked to the suspect. Authorities said the committee had been instructed to report findings urgently.

Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 10 May 2026

It's worth mentioning that the suspect who had possession of the guns also had videos in his phone showing him being trained at a BHQ camp, Cambodia's "elite" military unit.

You would have thought that someone clearly breaking so many serious laws and stockpiling guns and explosives etc. would drive more carefully and not roll a car. Asking for it... glad he's been caught and all others related to the incident should end up in deep do-do. Clearly way more to this one that is being announced... could even extend to armed espionage, sleep cells, and terrorism like they said.