The Bangkok Metropolitan Police raided an illegal arms cache and arrested a 39-year-old man, Chotithanpath or Gibb Pala, who was producing and selling unlicensed guns through closed social media groups. Police seized a total of 19 firearms, along with various types of ammunition.
On October 11, 2024, police apprehended Chotithanpath at his residence in the Lat Krabang area of Bangkok. He was charged with possession of firearms and ammunition without permission and for manufacturing and selling firearms illegally.
Among the seized items were five modified BB guns, 12 homemade .38 caliber guns, two .410 caliber guns, and several rounds of various ammunition types, totaling over 20 items related to illegal arms trade.
The investigation stemmed from an online undercover operation that revealed Chotithanpath was previously arrested for similar offenses and was out on bail. Intelligence indicated he returned to illegal activities shortly after being released, prompting further surveillance.
Authorities tracked him to a rented room in Lat Krabang where he was using a Toyota vehicle to disguise his actions. When approached, Chotithanpath admitted to the possession of illegal firearms and stated that he was still active in selling modified BB guns capable of firing real cartridges online.
After a thorough search of his premises, authorities found additional firearms and other components used for assembling weapons. He confessed that, after being released on bail, he opted to return to illegal firearm sales due to financial difficulties, earning an average income of 60,000 to 100,000 baht per month.
The suspect was then taken into custody along with all seized evidence for legal proceedings. Police emphasized the serious threat posed by illegal firearms sales to public safety, warning of significant penalties for those involved in such activities.
Brigadier General Theeradech Thamsuthee, head of the investigation unit, stated that firearms found could lead to various criminal activities affecting innocent citizens. Both buyers and sellers of unregistered firearms face severe legal consequences, and public assistance in reporting illegal sales is encouraged through official channels.
This article was rewritten from a Thairath’s news article.
