PATTAYA, Thailand — In a decisive move to curb the spread of illegal weapons, Thai authorities arrested two Bolt motorcycle taxi drivers who were running an underground operation converting blank guns into live firearms in central Pattaya.
The arrests form part of a broader nationwide crackdown on illegal firearms, spearheaded by National Police Chief Police General Kittirat Phanphet and Police Lieutenant General Sakyasira Phueak-am, Commander of the Tourist Police Bureau.
Online Gun Sales Uncovered
The operation began when officers discovered a Facebook post advertising a modified blank gun, branded as a Kimber .380, for sale at 15,000 baht (approx. $450 USD). Undercover police arranged a sting, culminating in the arrest of Mr. Worakan, 24, alias “Tae,” and Mr. Warasin, 21, alias “Song,” on Pattaya Second Road late at night.
Police Colonel Man Rotthong and Police Lieutenant Colonel Kritphol Saengsura of the Tourist Police Investigation Division led the tactical operation.
Worakan initially appeared without illegal items, but under questioning admitted to being involved in firearm sales and directed officers to his associate, Warasin, who was waiting on a motorcycle nearby.
A search of the bike uncovered:
- A Thai-modified Colt MMK4 blank gun, loaded with seven rounds of live .380 ammunition.
- Another Kimber .380 blank gun with a magazine stashed in the motorcycle’s dashboard.
Weapons Workshop Found
Further searches led police to a nearby property linked to the suspects, where they discovered a makeshift gun conversion workshop. Inside were:
- A drill, grinder, vise, and tools used to convert blank guns into live weapons.
- Spare parts for various firearms and ammunition.
Both men confessed to their roles. Worakan admitted to sourcing and selling the blank guns, while Warasin converted them into operational firearms, charging 2,500 baht (approx. $75 USD) per unit. They claimed they took up the operation due to financial stress, using the income to cover living expenses and leisure.
Charges and Broader Impact
Worakan has been charged with:
- Possession of an unlicensed firearm
- Carrying a weapon in public without a permit or urgent necessity
Warasin faces more severe charges, including:
- Manufacturing, modifying, importing, and selling illegal firearms and ammunition
- Possession for commercial purposes
Both suspects were transferred to the Pattaya City Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Related Arrest in Sriracha
In a separate but related case, police also arrested Mr. Witoon, 50, alias “Tom,” in Sriracha, Chonburi, after he was caught selling a Kimber Stainless Ultra Raptor II (.45 caliber) handgun with ammunition via Facebook for 75,000 baht (approx. $2,250 USD). He faces charges for illegal possession and public carrying of firearms and ammunition, and is now in the custody of Sriracha Police Station.
Authorities emphasize that these arrests are part of a coordinated national campaign to rid Thai communities of dangerous, unregulated firearms, with ongoing operations expected in other high-risk areas.
