Bangkok: Phang Nga's Provincial Police Commander, Pol. Col. Somchai Sue-tor-trakul, announced the arrest of four young men from southern border provinces for transporting weapons of war. It was discovered that one of the four detainees is associated with a group causing unrest in the southern border region.
According to Thai News Agency, the arrest occurred at a checkpoint set up by Phang Nga City Police at the Wang Mo Kaeng intersection on the Phang Nga-Thap Put road in Tambon Thai Chang, Amphoe Mueang Phang Nga. The operation took place in the early hours of March 22, 2025, aiming to deter illegal activities and search for contraband. A suspicious Mitsubishi pickup truck with a Pattani license plate, driven by Mr. Abdul Romae, 49, from Yarang, Pattani Province, and accompanied by Mr. Faisal, 28, from Amphoe Mueang Yala, was stopped. In addition, a Toyota Fortuner with a Songkhla license plate, driven by Mr. Zul Affal, 28, from Amphoe Chanae, Narathiwat Province, and Mr. Saowarus, 27, from Amphoe Nong Chik, Pattani Province, was also halted for inspection. Both vehicles aroused suspicion, leading to further examination.
The search unveiled a white fertilizer sack inside the Fortuner, containing four AK-47 assault rifles, nine 7.62 mm. rounds of ammunition totaling 54 rounds, and a gun stock hidden behind the rear passenger seat. The investigation revealed that the four suspects were traveling together, with the pickup leading the way to avoid arrest and inspection.
The suspects face charges of joint possession of firearms and ammunition without proper licensing, carrying firearms in public without permission or necessary reasons. The seized firearms are being examined at Forensic Science Center 10 to determine if they have been used in incidents in the southern border region. The suspects claimed they received the firearms in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, and were paid 70,000 baht to deliver them to a specified location in Phang Nga Province. However, they were apprehended before receiving the final delivery coordinates.
Currently, police from Regions 8 and 9 are conducting a thorough investigation to determine any connections to the southern border insurgency movement or other criminal activities. The source noted that one suspect has a history of involvement in unrest in the southern border provinces, with potential targets in the Phang Nga-Phuket area.