National Police Chief Orders Thorough Investigation Into Police Officer Selling Gun to Chinese Man, Warns of Criminal and Disciplinary Charges
A Thai police officer faces potential criminal and disciplinary charges after selling a state-issued firearm to a Chinese national in Chon Buri Province, according to the national police chief's announcement in Bangkok.
At 11:30 AM on May 11, 2026 at Royal Thai Police Headquarters, Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Bunyasomprasit revealed progress in the fact-finding committee investigation regarding a police firearm from Sai Yai Police Station found in the possession of Chinese national Ming Chen Sun.
A single police-issued firearm was discovered with the Chinese man in Chon Buri Province. The weapon belonged to Sai Yai Police Station and was purchased from police welfare benefits starting in 2002 as a welfare-issued personal service firearm. The regulations explicitly prohibited changing hands except through inheritance, meaning any resale would be improper conduct.
When asked whether all those involved with the firearm would be questioned, Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam stated that according to Form 4 documentation, it was registered as inheritance, but subsequent resale would constitute violations. He emphasized that all individuals involved would face both disciplinary and criminal charges if found guilty. Preliminary investigation revealed the original holder sold the firearm to obtain family expenses.
Regarding whether the firearm was inspected, Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam explained that the weapon was a personal purchase by the police officer, though the state's firearms are subject to routine inspections. Welfare-issued firearms are prohibited from resale except as inheritance.
Concerning whether other weapons or military arms were connected to Sai Yai Police Station, Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam stated that following the initial report and instructions from the national police chief, investigations were ordered at the specified address. Searches inside the former wife's residence yielded no additional connected firearms, though investigations into family connections continue. He emphasized the importance of maintaining Bangkok's security, directing both Metropolitan Police Bureau and Metropolitan Police Bureau Region 3 to expand investigations for additional involvement.
When asked if the firearm was connected to Bangkok, Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam stated that the police headquarters coordinated with Metropolitan Police Bureau Region 2 on prevention and surveillance. The Chinese national's cooperation is his right, but as law enforcement, police must continue thorough investigation to prevent criminal incidents in Bangkok. Strict measures are necessary given Bangkok's status as the capital, with important events planned year-end. Both terrorism and firearms use require careful scrutiny.
Regarding military involvement, Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam stated that the Royal Thai Navy and Chon Buri Military Regional Command are investigating. He warned that Bangkok's security posture must remain elevated to prevent shooting incidents.
