Cyber Police Arrest Illegal Gun Collector After Facebook Brag

Cyber police in Thailand have arrested a 37-year-old man in Samut Prakan province for illegally possessing and displaying a collection of unregistered firearms on social media. The operation underscores Thailand's stringent stance against the illegal arms trade. The suspect, identified as Chakkrit Wechakarn, caught the attention of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau after regularly posting pictures of various firearms under the Facebook alias “Sawasdee M krub.” A digital investigation revealed he was also purchasing ammunition from clandestine online groups specializing in illicit arms trading. Armed with digital evidence, police obtained a search warrant and raided his residence in the Thai Ban Mai subdistrict on September 1. Officers seized nine illegal items, including an unregistered Remington 870 shotgun, modified air rifles, and gas-powered guns. These weapons had been altered to fire 5.5mm metal pellets. Shotgun shells and over 60 metal pellets were also confiscated. During questioning, Wechakarn admitted ownership of the seized weapons, claiming he collected them as a hobby and had no intention of harming anyone. Despite his explanations, he faces charges for unauthorized possession of firearms and illegal ammunition under Thai law. He has been handed over to local police for further legal proceedings. Authorities stated the raid aligns with national security policies aimed at eradicating online crime and illegal weapons trade to ensure public safety.