PM Says Chinese National Ming Chen Sun Not a Terrorist; Police to Trace Root Causes; Gun Permits to Be Revoked This September
Prime Minister Anutthin Charnvirakul said Chinese national Ming Chen Sun, accused of weapons and explosives violations, is not a terrorist but an ordinary person under investigation. All civilian gun permits will expire in September, after
On May 12, 2569, Prime Minister Anutthin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister held a press conference at the Narcotics Control Bureau addressing the case of Ming Chen Sun, a Chinese national accused of war weapons, explosives, and security violations involving Thai politicians. The PM stated the suspect is undergoing investigation and that any involvement with Thai politicians would depend on whether they participated in criminal activity. He noted that knowing someone is normal, and the suspect has lived in Thailand for years, but anyone involved in criminal conduct will face prosecution.
When asked about the suspect's level within criminal networks, the PM referred questions to the Royal Thai Police, stating it was an investigative matter. Regarding alleged coordination with Cambodian authorities, the PM emphasized the focus is on criminal charges resulting from the investigation, using interrogations of the suspect and witnesses. He stated that if anyone is implicated, they will all face prosecution.
Regarding the discovered equipment and the suspect's intentions, the PM indicated some details are sensitive information. Addressing public and tourist safety concerns, he assured that citizens and visitors can continue normal activities, with the Thai government and police guaranteeing public safety.
The PM described the suspect as an ordinary person, not a terrorist or someone seeking to harm the general public. Police have the capability to trace the case to its roots, extending investigations to the suspect's wife and networks. When asked if the suspect could be a mercenary, the PM stated he appears to be an ordinary person.
Regarding politicians connected to the suspect, the PM said nothing should be stated and hoped no one would provide support for illegal activities. On whether decisive action would be taken, the PM responded rhetorically that no one has ever successfully fled.
Addressing whether security measures failed to prevent the suspect from storing C-4 explosives and ten firearms, the PM clarified this was not a security lapse but criminal conduct. Private individuals cannot legally possess firearms unless they are government officials, and storing explosives at home is illegal. Carrying weapons anywhere is illegal.
The PM announced that as Interior Minister he did not renew gun permits, maintaining the same policy as Prime Minister with oversight from police, the Interior Ministry, and Defense Ministry. Currently there are no active gun permits, and all existing permits expire this September. After that, only authorized government officials may carry firearms.
