Pattaya Raid: Chinese Man Arrested Over Firearm Posts
PATTAYA — Tourist Police in Pattaya raided a luxury villa this week after a Chinese national was spotted flaunting firearms on social media, raising alarm about potential illegal activity in the resort city.
The operation, led by Pol. Capt. Somchonok Chaiprasertsakul, Pol. Lt. Supharat Meepreecha, and Pol. Sub-Lt. Atsada Jarusombat, was conducted under a search warrant issued by the Pattaya Provincial Court. Officers targeted a high-end property in Thepprasit Soi, Moo 12 — a two-story villa valued at over 10 million baht and built on a 200-square-wah plot.
Authorities were acting on intelligence from an informant who reported a Chinese tourist frequently posting photos and videos on social media, posing with various firearms. Investigators gathered evidence before securing the warrant to search the villa.
Upon arrival, police found the property’s front gate unlocked. When no one responded to initial calls, officers proceeded with a tactical entry and began searching the residence room by room.
Inside the villa, police encountered a Thai driver, a Chinese man, and a housemaid, who identified themselves to officers. Further investigation led police to the second floor, where they found five additional Chinese nationals — three men and two women — who were detained briefly for questioning but were not considered suspects.
Officers ultimately located the primary target, 47-year-old Mr. Liu, in his bedroom. Mr. Liu appeared surprised, emerging in casual shorts as police presented the search warrant.
A search of his room uncovered a BB handgun resting on a cabinet and a long-barrel BB gun hidden inside a wardrobe. Additionally, officers discovered 16 rounds of 9mm ammunition stored in a safe. No real firearms were found during the raid.
During interrogation, Mr. Liu insisted that he only owned BB guns for recreational purposes. He claimed the firearms featured in his social media posts belonged either to friends or shooting ranges where he posed for photographs. As for the ammunition, Mr. Liu alleged it was left behind by an unknown friend, though police remain skeptical and continue to investigate the claim.
Police arrested Mr. Liu and seized the 16 rounds of ammunition as evidence. He was transferred to investigators for further legal proceedings.
Pol. Capt. Somchonok stated that while BB guns are not strictly illegal, the presence of live ammunition raises serious legal questions under Thai law, particularly for foreign nationals. Authorities are now working to verify Mr. Liu’s statements and determine if additional charges will be filed, including potential violations of firearm or ammunition possession laws.
The raid underscores Thai authorities’ vigilance in monitoring social media for suspicious activity that could compromise public safety. Police emphasized that even posing with real or replica firearms online can trigger legal consequences, especially for foreign visitors in Thailand.
The investigation remains ongoing as police scrutinize Mr. Liu’s background and the origins of the ammunition found in the villa.
