Police Trace Two Navy Petty Officers Linked to Gun Sales to Chinese Man; Explosive Investigation Deepens
Police are hunting two navy petty officers linked to selling firearms to a Chinese national arrested with war weapons and explosives in Chachoengsao. The investigation is tracing how military weapons escaped official custody and reached the
Police are tracking two navy petty officers linked to the sale of firearms to Ming Chen Sun, a 31-year-old Chinese national, as the explosives investigation deepens and authorities work to trace the origins of the dangerous weapons seized.
The case began when Sun was arrested following a car crash in Nong Chom Tien, Chachoengsao. During vehicle inspection, officers discovered firearms and ammunition, which prompted a search of his residence in Soi Huay Yai. Authorities recovered war weapons, high-explosive devices designed for maximum destruction, anti-personnel grenades, and hand grenades totaling 10 rounds, along with extensive bomb-making equipment and fuel. All items were seized as evidence, and Sun was taken into custody for legal proceedings. After continuous interrogation throughout the day, he was transferred to Pattaya Immigration Office detention, where he appeared noticeably fatigued and requires regular medication.
On May 10, 2025, the National Police's Explosives Information Center and Forensic Evidence Office traveled to Nong Chom Tien to conduct a detailed investigation of all seized evidence, particularly the firearms, ammunition, and explosives. Meanwhile, police teams in Sattahip are tracking two additional navy petty officers involved in the gun sales operation. Previously, authorities took into custody Chaen, a shooting range instructor at Pattaya Navy Base (Flight Lieutenant Metthi), and Jamlawng, 51, the account holder and gun distributor to the Chinese buyer, for interrogation.
Two additional conspirators have been identified: Petty Officer Hae and Petty Officer Boi, who are currently being pursued for questioning.
Regarding the gun purchase timeline: Chaen contacted Flight Lieutenant Metthi to inquire about available firearms because a Chinese buyer was interested. Metthi then contacted Petty Officer Hae to source the guns. Hae subsequently contacted Petty Officer Boi to obtain the weapons. Jamlawng merely provided his bank account for the financial transfer.
The Police Chief has established a task force to investigate the case, demanding a swift inquiry into how firearms escaped the custody of the Royal Thai Police and ended up in the hands of Ming Chen Sun.
