Bangkok police have arrested a 39-year-old man linked to a significant illegal firearms operation, following the dismantling of a Facebook group named กิ๊บประธานเพื่อน GUN สำคัญเสมอ. The operation led to the seizure of 19 firearms and various ammunition.
On October 10, Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang, along with other senior officers, arrested Chotthanapat, known as Gib Phala, in a car park outside the Eua Athorn Lat Krabang 2 building. He faces multiple charges, including possession of firearms and ammunition without a permit and manufacturing and selling firearms unlawfully.
Investigations revealed that Chotthanapat had established a lucrative illegal gun business. The seized items included five modified BB guns capable of firing .38 caliber bullets and 12 locally-made .38 caliber firearms. Additionally, police found 155 rounds of various ammunition, including .22, .38, and .380 calibers, along with nine gun cylinders, 12 gun barrels, and over 20 components and packaging tools.
Chotthanapat, who had previously served prison time for firearm offenses, resumed his illegal activities after being released. He was under bail pending an appeal when police began monitoring Facebook groups selling illegal firearms and identified him as a repeat offender.
Using a white Toyota Fortuner to evade detection, he was located at his rented room in the Eua Athorn Lat Krabang 2 project. When police noticed him acting nervously in the car park, they approached and searched him. He confessed to currently possessing and selling illegal firearms online, admitting to modifying BB guns to fire live .38 caliber rounds.
Chotthanapat shared that he graduated from high school through non-formal education and worked in a tire factory for ten years. His interest in firearms began in 2018 when he purchased a shotgun, which he later sold on Facebook to fund more illegal purchases. This business rapidly grew, and he claimed to sell between 70 to 100 firearms monthly, earning between 200,000 to 300,000 baht (US$6,000 to 9,000).
He was first arrested for gun sales in 2019 in Ayutthaya and served a two-year sentence. After trying to work in agriculture post-release, he returned to illegal sales. In 2021, he was again arrested for firearm possession and served a 12-month sentence. Upon release, with limited job opportunities, he resumed selling firearms he had concealed at home.
Despite previous arrests, Chotthanapat continued his illegal activities, selling 30 to 50 guns monthly for a profit of 1,500 to 2,000 baht (US$45 to 60) per gun, totaling 60,000 to 100,000 baht (US$1,800 to 3,000) each month for personal expenses and evading capture.
Police Major General Theeradech emphasized the dangers posed by illegal firearms, highlighting their potential use in crimes that threaten public safety. He warned that both buyers and sellers of unregistered firearms face severe penalties under the Firearms Act, including imprisonment of two to 20 years and fines ranging from 4,000 to 40,000 baht (US$120 to 1,200). The public is encouraged to report any illegal gun sales to the IDMB Facebook page.
Chotthanapat and the seized items were taken to Charoenkrung Police Station for further legal action.
photo KhaoSod
