Police Arrest Kamnan Mano's Brother with Gun at Cha-am Protest
A protest convoy led by Kamnan Mano from Krabi reached Cha-am, Phetchaburi, where police arrested his brother for carrying an unlicensed 9mm pistol with over 20 rounds. The convoy paused for speeches on Cha-am Beach before planning to continue to Bangkok tomorrow. Authorities charged the brother with illegal weapons possession and briefly halted the procession.
At 5:30 p.m. on November 7, Mano Kueakhao, the kamnan of Krabi Noi Subdistrict in Mueang Krabi District, and leader of the 'People's Revolution Network to Protect the Nation' led a caravan of more than 70 vehicles traveling from Prachuap Khiri Khan into Cha-am District, Phetchaburi Province. Upon reaching Phetkasem Road in Tambon Cha-am near the entrance to Palm Hills Golf Course, Cha-am Police Station officers led by Pol. Lt. Col. Apirak Phoemchai set up a checkpoint.
They discovered Manit Kueakhao, 47, the kamnan's younger brother, carrying a 9mm handgun with over 20 rounds in a waist bag. He was detained and taken to Cha-am Police Station to verify the firearm registration and face charges of illegal weapons possession, halting the convoy for about 30 minutes.
Afterward, Kamnan Mano led the convoy to a temporary stage on the back of a six-wheel truck along Cha-am South Beach, where a number of local residents joined the gathering. About 200 supporters who traveled with the convoy parked in the surrounding area.
During the speeches, some locals complained to police about the loud noise. Cha-am officers warned the organizers to lower the volume.
Tonight, protesters will disperse to sleep; some will camp on the beach, some will stay at Wat Nong Jaeng in Cha-am, and others at nearby hotels and resorts.
Kamnan Mano said the group felt refreshed by the sea air and would hold speeches tonight before resting, similar to the previous night. Tomorrow morning they plan to depart via Ratchaburi and Nakhon Pathom, aiming to reach Bangkok by 6:00 p.m.
He emphasized that the rally is a constitutional right and he is not worried. He has brought the people's grievances to present to the government for resolution, noting that a permit for the assembly was requested a month ago and received a positive response.
