Bangkok: Detectives raid and arrest 'Oat Nong E-Teng' selling illegal guns hidden in canned snacks, claiming that the entire village makes them and delivers them to customers nationwide.
According to Thai News Agency, the Metropolitan Police Investigation Division arrested Mr. Naphasakorn, also known as 'Oat Nong E-Teng', a 23-year-old illegal firearms dealer operating on social media. The arrest took place at a gas station near Nong E-Teng village in Phuyuhakhiri district, Nakhon Sawan province. Police had been monitoring Mr. Naphasakorn for over two days, hiding in the bushes along the road. They launched the operation as he left his house and drove his pickup truck out of the village. The investigation team followed him until he reached a location where he was likely delivering an illegal firearm, prompting the authorities to surround the area and execute the arrest.
Initially, Mr. Naphasakorn claimed that he was merely delivering snacks. However, upon inspection, two homemade Thai guns were discovered concealed within the snack cans. During interrogation, he disclosed unexpected information, revealing that the entire Nong E-Teng village was involved in the production and sale of illegal firearms. He mentioned that some villagers temporarily ceased production due to insufficient income but resumed when financial needs arose. The practice has reportedly been ongoing for as long as he can remember, with past transactions occurring in person outside the village. With advancements in transportation, the village now utilizes parcel delivery systems. The illegal activity persists due to an understanding of law enforcement patterns, allowing them to halt operations during crackdowns and resume once the situation stabilizes.
Mr. Naphasakorn faces charges of possessing a firearm without permission, selling firearms without authorization, and carrying a weapon in public without valid justification. He was taken to Phu Yuak Khiri Police Station in Nakhon Sawan Province for further legal action.
Pol. Col. Thiradej Thamsuthee, Commander of the Investigation Division at the Metropolitan Police Bureau, noted that this arrest stemmed from prior apprehensions of several illegal gun dealer groups. He cautioned that both sellers and buyers of illegal firearms online are culpable. Buyers face charges related to purchasing, possessing, using, ordering, or importing firearms or ammunition without permission, with penalties ranging from 1-10 years in prison and fines between 2,000-20,000 baht. Sellers are charged with manufacturing, assembling, possessing, or selling firearms or ammunition for trade without permission, with penalties of 2-20 years in prison and fines between 4,000-40,000 baht.