South African Held With Ammunition at Phuket Airport

A South African tourist has been arrested after airport security officers found six rounds of ammunition and a firearm magazine inside his luggage at Phuket International Airport before he was due to board an international flight.

Police said the discovery was made at about 10pm on 25 July at the international departures terminal, where baggage screening staff alerted officers from Sakhu Police Station after the items were detected by X-ray.

Airport screening leads to arrest

According to police, the passenger was identified as 27-year-old South African national Mr Morne Dannhauser. Airport security personnel detained him until officers arrived at the scene.

Police said they seized six rounds of ammunition, of an unspecified calibre, along with one magazine found in his luggage.

The suspect was taken to Sakhu Police Station, where investigators informed him of his legal rights and the charges against him before beginning formal legal proceedings. Officers also said the South African Embassy would be notified in accordance with standard procedures.

Strict firearms laws and airport security

Thailand has strict firearms and ammunition laws, and travellers are responsible for ensuring their luggage complies with both Thai law and airline security regulations. Even where passengers legally own firearms or ammunition in their home country, bringing such items into or through Thailand without the necessary authorisation can result in criminal prosecution.

The arrest follows routine baggage screening at Phuket International Airport, where security officers inspect checked luggage before it is loaded onto departing aircraft.

Picture courtesy of Amarin

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27 July 2026

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