(Thailand, 10th) – Thai police are investigating a Chinese man who was found to be in possession of a large number of military-grade weapons at his home, including assault rifles, explosives, grenades, and anti-personnel landmines.
On Saturday (May 9), Thai police said that at the home of 31-year-old Sun Mingchen (transliteration), located near Pattaya’s beach resort area, police discovered two M16 assault rifles, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, Russian landmines, artillery shells, gasoline, and nearly five kilograms (11 pounds) of explosives.
According to a statement cited by AFP from Chonburi’s Public Relations Department, there is currently no evidence to suggest that these weapons are linked to any planned attacks, but local police chief Ponpan Ongmanitat told reporters at the scene that they are “investigating potential security threats.”
Sun Mingchen has been charged with illegal possession of unauthorized weapons and could face up to 10 years in prison.
Thai media reports that the suspect’s mobile phone included records of AI chatbots searching for the characteristics of military-grade plastic explosives, as well as videos of him personally operating weapons, sparking concerns that he may have had “terrorist” intentions.
Ponpan said the police are investigating the suspect’s motives and will conduct a psychological assessment.
On Friday, during a traffic stop, police found a handgun inside a car carrying two Chinese citizens, which subsequently led to a search of the Sun surname man’s residence. Authorities state the man holds a long-term Thai visa and has resided at the address for about two years.
According to a statement cited by AFP from Chonburi’s Public Relations Department, there is currently no evidence to suggest that these weapons are linked to any planned attacks, but local police chief Ponpan Ongmanitat told reporters at the scene that they are “investigating potential security threats.”
Sun Mingchen has been charged with illegal possession of unauthorized weapons and could face up to 10 years in prison.
Thai media reports that the suspect’s mobile phone included records of AI chatbots searching for the characteristics of military-grade plastic explosives, as well as videos of him personally operating weapons, sparking concerns that he may have had “terrorist” intentions.
Ponpan said the police are investigating the suspect’s motives and will conduct a psychological assessment.
On Friday, during a traffic stop, police found a handgun inside a car carrying two Chinese citizens, which subsequently led to a search of the Sun surname man’s residence. Authorities state the man holds a long-term Thai visa and has resided at the address for about two years.