Officers from the Investigation Division Provincial Police Region 4 (INVP4) apprehended a Thai individual at his residence in the Isaan region’s Kalasin province for unlawfully possessing 30 firearms and over 2,300 rounds of ammunition. Deputy Commander Nattanon Prachum of INVP4 revealed that the Royal Thai Police initiated an operation to clamp down on illegal weapons, particularly targeting the online sale of firearms.
The operation was prompted by several instances of shootings and violence associated with illicit firearms, which were traced back to online purchases. Consequently, law enforcement closely monitored social media for firearm sales and potential buyers, stumbling upon images and videos of gun-related activities on the Facebook account of a 28-year-old Thai man named Sathaporn “Tong” Padtoom.
Further investigation into Tong’s authorization to possess firearms failed to find his name on the permitted list. Armed with evidence, officers obtained a warrant to search Tong’s residence in Kalasin. The raid conducted on December 14 uncovered an arsenal of 30 firearms, comprising 17 pistols, seven rifles, six Thai Pradit guns, and 2,362 rounds of ammunition.
While each gun was registered legally, Tong lacked the necessary permit for possession, resulting in charges against him for possessing firearms and ammunition without authorization. As per Section 7 of the Act on Firearms, Ammunition, Explosive, Fireworks, and Imitation Firearms, the penalty could lead to a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both.
Tong admitted to not having the required permit but maintained that he only purchased registered firearms and never intended harm. He claimed that collecting guns was a hobby alongside running a restaurant in Kalasin. Tong revealed buying guns online at prices ranging from 10,000 to 200,000 baht each and clarified that he solely used them at shooting ranges with no intention of misuse.
Law enforcement plans to further investigate each firearm to determine if any had been involved in criminal activities.
