A former welder turned illegal gunmaker was arrested in Pattaya after attempting to sell homemade firearms.
On September 14, 2024, Nongprue police apprehended 38-year-old Mr. Boonmee S. on charges of illegally selling firearms and gun parts. The arrest took place around 9:35 PM at the entrance of Soi Phatthana Kan 2/1, in the Nongprue sub-district of Banglamung district, Chonburi province.
The operation followed a tip-off from concerned residents, who reported that Mr. Boonmee had been manufacturing and selling illegal firearms to young people in Pattaya. Authorities organized a sting operation, arranging to buy a homemade firearm from him for 2,000 baht. When Mr. Boonmee arrived to make the sale, police identified themselves and arrested him, confiscating an 11mm firearm and two rounds of ammunition.
A subsequent search of his residence uncovered additional firearm parts, ammunition, and a homemade sound suppressor. The suspect reportedly confessed to making guns as a hobby after losing his welding job. He claimed to have learned the craft online and only sold firearms to acquaintances, not considering it his primary source of income. However, he admitted to earning a profit of 500-1,000 baht per gun.
Mr. Boonmee was taken to Nongprue Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings.
