Phuket: The first suspect has been arrested for possessing a gun and ammunition under a car in the middle of Phuket Island. He will face the maximum penalty. According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Interior has launched a comprehensive operation to enhance the safety of people's lives and property, following instructions from Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul. Administrative officials in all provinces have joined forces with police officers to establish checkpoints and roadblocks in their areas continuously since August 7, 2026, particularly to prevent and suppress the carrying of firearms in public places.
Mr. Arsit Sampanrat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, stated that on August 10, 2026, Mr. Chotinrin Kerdsum, Governor of Phuket Province, assigned Pol. Lt. Col. Khetarat Chansilp, Deputy Governor of Phuket Province and Acting Security Advisor to the Ministry of Interior, and Mr. Siwat Rawangkul, District Chief of Mueang Phuket and Acting Provincial Permanent Secretary, to oversee and direct administrative officers from the Mueang Phuket District Office to set up a checkpoint in Koh Kaew Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket Province. They spotted a suspicious BMW vehicle and stopped it for inspection. Upon searching the vehicle, they found a CZ handgun with a magazine loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition hidden under the driver's seat. The driver, Mr. Nat (surname withheld), 29 years old, could not present a firearms license or permit. He was arrested and charged with carrying a firearm in a public place without a permit and possessing a firearm without a permit. He and the confiscated it ems were then handed over to the Mueang Phuket Police Station for prosecution to the maximum penalty under the law.
Mr. Arsit further stated that he would like to remind those who know they are breaking the law, especially those carrying firearms in vehicles or in public places, that this is a serious violation of the law. They cannot claim self-defense or intent to commit any crime as an excuse. The Prime Minister and the Minister of Interior have issued a temporary order prohibiting the issuance of firearm permits (Form P.12) for a period of one year, effective from February 20, 2026. Provincial authorities continue to maintain checkpoints and conduct joint searches of suspicious areas. If unregistered firearms are found, those involved will face the maximum penalties under the law. Therefore, those who know they are breaking the law are urged to surrender their unregistered firearms to the authorities at any district office. If seized during a search, they will face the maximum penalty prescribed by law.
"If the public has any information about any illegal activity, such as the possession of firearms in any house, area, or by any individual, or if weapons are being carried in public places or at public events, please report it to the Damrongtham Center at 1567 so that administrative officials can take action, arrest, and prosecute those involved according to the law."