Deputy Interior Minister Denies Cover-up in Chinese Man's Weapons Cache Case, Set to Become Special Case; Scrutiny of State Officials Involvement

On May 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM, Parliament held a questioning session chaired by Sompon Saramae where opposition lawmaker and Deputy Democrat Party leader Piyarut Jongtep questioned Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul regarding the arrest of Chinese national Ming Chen Sun for possessing military weapons. Deputy Interior Minister Jetsada Thaiset responded on the PM's behalf.

Piyarut stated the case was significant, noting it resulted from a traffic accident during heavy rain rather than intelligence work—when traffic police discovered the weapons-laden truck after the accident, leading to the arrest. He criticized the fragmented response from various agencies and questioned whether the government would acknowledge systemic failure in intelligence and security operations.

Piyarut highlighted three similar cases involving military weapons and assassinations, expressing concern about government or military official involvement, particularly noting a warrant issued for a navy officer in the Ming Chen Sun case. He asked whether investigators would pursue background connections and accountability for state officials who may have enabled weapons trafficking.

Deputy Interior Minister Jetsada clarified that intelligence agencies confirmed the suspect traveled across five to six countries, but found no indicators of terrorist planning or organizational backing based on international inquiries. While declining to call it a "failure," he acknowledged potential gaps in inter-agency coordination and stated the PM has directed efforts to minimize such gaps. Jetsada revealed the Justice Minister will elevate the case to special status, enabling full inter-agency integration in the investigation.