Pattaya: A 31-year-old Chinese national remains in custody at Pattaya Immigration as authorities broaden an investigation into a large cache of war weapons, leading to the arrest of a naval officer suspected of involvement in the arms trade.
According to Thai News Agency, the suspect, identified as Mingchen Sun, was apprehended after a vehicle accident led police to discover a firearm. A subsequent search of his house uncovered assault rifles, high-grade explosives, grenades, and bomb-making components. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team is currently conducting a detailed forensic examination of the evidence.
Police have arrested a naval officer, Petty Officer First Class Watcharin, for allegedly supplying weapons to the suspect. A former naval officer, Chief Petty Officer First Class Pathompong, was detained for questioning on May 10 but denied all charges.
Investigation records show Pathompong was previously arrested in connection with a 2016 armored car robbery in Pattaya.
The probe found one firearm belonging to a police officer from Bangkok's Sai Mai Station. The officer claimed he legally purchased the weapon through a welfare program and later pawned it, but stated he was unaware how it reached the Chinese national. Preliminary findings suggest the weapon changed hands four times, involving multiple current and former police officers, before reaching Sun through his ex-wife.
The Chinese Embassy in Bangkok issued a statement on May 10 emphasizing that the Chinese government does not protect citizens who violate foreign laws.