Bangkok, Thailand – Twelve individuals have been arrested as part of a sweeping nationwide crackdown on illegal arms trafficking in Thailand, police confirmed. The operation, conducted in multiple provinces including Bangkok, led to the confiscation of 18 firearms and over 30,000 rounds of ammunition.
The arrests, made during the week leading up to June 9, were announced by Police Major General Wittaya Sriprasertparb, commander of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD). The suspects, aged between their early 20s and 50s, now face charges of colluding in the unlicensed possession and sale of firearms and ammunition for commercial purposes.
The raids were part of a broader national campaign launched on March 21, focused on dismantling criminal syndicates, armed gangs, and underground weapons networks. So far, the initiative has resulted in 32 raids, 16 arrests, and the seizure of 23 firearms and 564 rounds of ammunition prior to the most recent action.
A more targeted operation—“Operation Endgame: Bullet Express”—was launched on June 5 to tackle the surge in online arms trading. Police raided 22 locations in Bangkok and surrounding provinces, seizing:
- 6 semi-automatic pistols
- 5 single-barrel shotguns
- 5 single-shot rifles
- 1 revolver
- 1 homemade firearm
- 31,538 rounds of ammunition
One of the key individuals arrested was Ritthichai, a known firearms enthusiast with legal ownership of several weapons. According to authorities, he allegedly exploited his permits to purchase large quantities of ammunition from licensed dealers and resold them online without authorization. Investigators believe his illegal dealings began in 2022, with much of the ammunition traced back to domestic manufacturers.
The CSD has confirmed that investigations are ongoing and efforts will be expanded to identify and arrest additional suspects involved in the illegal weapons trade.
