BANGKOK — Police say they have arrested a soldier and a student carrying firearms and a map of an anti-government protest site in Bangkok.
The pair was reportedly arrested shortly after midnight at a security checkpoint on Rama IX Road in Huai Kwang district.
The suspects were identified as Sgt. Jakkrapong Siprom, 27, a soldier working in the Royal Thai Army's Signal Department, and Sattawat Chaiyapon, 24, a university student.
According to the police, a search of their vehicle turned up one MP5 submachine gun, one Glock handgun, 56 rounds of 9 mm. ammunition, 17 rounds of .223 ammunition, a grenade, a flashlight, radio equipment, and a pair of balaclavas.
The suspects were also carrying a detailed map of the area around Lumpini Park where supporters of the People's Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) have been organizing rallies against the government.
Pro-government activists have repeatedly accused army personnel of tacitly aiding the PCAD by supplying them with weapons and serving in their ranks as "guards," an allegation the army has steadfastly denied.
There is no immediate comment from the Royal Thai Army regarding the arrest.
For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]
You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish
