Police arrest man accused of modifying firearms, seize 200 rounds and suspected C4 detonators

BANGKOK — 9 October 2026, Bangkok police arrested a 21-year-old man accused of modifying firearms and assembling explosive-trigger components, seizing multiple guns, about 200 rounds of ammunition and suspected detonators that can be used with C4 explosives.

The arrest was announced by Metropolitan Police Bureau chief Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom and other senior officers. The suspect, identified only as P, was arrested at a residence in Prawet district, Bangkok.

Items seized included one modified .380-calibre blank gun and two .380-calibre blank guns prepared for modification. Police also found 30 rounds of .22-calibre ammunition, 20 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 100 rounds of .380-calibre ammunition, one 12-gauge round, 20 rounds of 9mm ammunition and 50 blank rounds.

Officers also seized one 5.56mm magazine, four 7.62mm magazines, one .22-calibre magazine and 14 suspected explosive precursor items. Four of the items were detonator cartridges described as small electrically operated devices that can be used with C4 explosives. The suspected devices have been sent for forensic examination.

The investigation was launched as part of a government and Royal Thai Police crackdown on crime ahead of the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings, scheduled for 12–18 October.

Investigators from the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Children and Women Protection and Suppression Division monitored social media groups on LINE and Telegram after receiving information about the alleged sale of firearms and explosive-circuit components, including squibs. Police traced the suspected operation to P and arranged an undercover purchase before arresting him at his home.

During questioning, the suspect said he had studied through Thailand’s non-formal education system and was interested in making firearms and explosive-trigger circuits. Police also found an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) manual at the residence.

The suspect reportedly said he had been assembling the components for about two years, since 2024. He partially admitted to assembling explosive-related circuit boards but denied selling them.

Police said they were not convinced by his account and would expand the investigation to determine whether he had supplied the items to anyone else or whether there were additional buyers. Explosive ordnance disposal officers have been asked to examine the suspected devices.

The suspect was charged with possessing firearms and ammunition without a licence and possessing firearms that cannot legally be licensed. He was handed over, along with the seized evidence, to Prawet Police Station investigators for further legal proceedings.