Phuket Man Arrested After Two-Year Manhunt for Modifying and Selling Guns Online

A 29-year-old man, identified only as Kittiphon or Tom, has been apprehended in Phuket following a two-year manhunt for his role in modifying blank guns and selling them via live broadcasts on Facebook. The arrest marks the end of an extensive search by Thai authorities.

Manhunt and Capture

Kittiphon, who had been evading capture by fleeing from Phang Nga to Phuket, was finally arrested by officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) on Saturday, August 3. His arrest took place in front of a rented house in Ratsada.

He was sought under a warrant issued by the Phang Nga Provincial Court on September 8, 2022. The investigation into Kittiphon began after authorities traced firearms used by teenagers in northeast Thailand back to him. These firearms were initially blank guns that Kittiphon had illegally modified to fire live ammunition.

The Investigation

The investigation revealed that Kittiphon had been selling these modified firearms through Facebook livestreams. A search at his residence in Tambon Na Toei, Thai Mueang district, Phang Nga, uncovered over 100 firearms, ammunition, and imitation weapons. However, Kittiphon managed to escape before the search could be conducted.

Despite the escape, evidence collected by Thai Mueang Police led to an arrest warrant. Kittiphon remained on the run until CSD Division 5 officers successfully located him in Ratsada, leading to his coordinated capture.

Confession and Legal Proceedings

During initial questioning, Kittiphon confessed to all charges. He admitted that he and an associate had modified over 300 blank guns to fire live ammunition, which they sold through social media platforms. After the police raid, Kittiphon and his associate ceased their illegal operations and went their separate ways.

Kittiphon has been transferred to the Thai Mueang Police Station for further legal proceedings, where he will face charges related to the illegal modification and distribution of firearms.

Related Incident

In a separate but related development, police at Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal apprehended a 43-year-old man named Thanet from Samut Prakan. Metal detector checks revealed Thanet was carrying a homemade .38 calibre gun and six bullets. The discovery has led to further investigations and legal action.

Conclusion

Kittiphon’s arrest concludes a significant operation by Thai authorities to combat illegal firearms trafficking. His capture highlights the ongoing efforts to tackle gun-related crimes and the use of social media platforms for illegal activities.