Thai Police Link Arms Cache of Cambodian Suspect to Scam Gangs
Thai police linked a Chinese-Cambodian suspect's arsenal of military weapons and explosives to Cambodian scam gangs, rejecting claims he planned terrorist attacks in Thailand. Investigators say the weapons were meant for gang-on-gang violen
BANGKOK — May 12, 2026: Thai police have revealed evidence and financial records that clearly link Chinese-Cambodian suspect Mingchen Sun to Cambodian scam networks, while insisting there is no indication he planned terrorist attacks in Thailand.
On May 12, at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, provided an update on the investigation. The probe began after Mingchen Sun was involved in a vehicle rollover accident in Chon Buri province that led authorities to uncover a cache of military-grade weapons at his residence. Police later raided properties linked to the suspect and seized explosives, including C4, M16 assault rifles and numerous grenades.
Significant progress has been made in the case. Trairong said forensic and digital evidence, including chat records, weapons training images and evidence of arms accumulation since late last year, clearly showed connections between the suspect and scam syndicates operating in Cambodia. Investigators believe the weapons were intended for use in violent conflicts between rival scam gangs.
Trairong stated that based on current evidence, there are no indications that the suspect or his network aimed to carry out attacks against Thai citizens. Police also rejected the suspect's claim that he suffered from depression and collected weapons with suicidal intentions, saying investigators would rely primarily on forensic evidence for legal proceedings.
In the financial investigation, the Cyber Police has been tasked with tracing the suspect's financial transactions. Authorities found tens of millions of baht circulating through bank and cryptocurrency accounts allegedly linked directly to scam operations in Cambodia.
Trairong said police are also expanding the investigation into companies previously registered by the suspect and his former wife, as well as the circumstances surrounding their marriage registration to uncover further links to the broader criminal network.
Regarding the suspect's legal status and entry into the country, Trairong indicated that Sun entered Thailand legally using both Chinese and Cambodian passports and held a PE (Privilege Entry) visa designed for wealthy foreign nationals. Investigators also found he possessed long-term residency status in South Korea.
Trairong added that the Royal Thai Police will use this case as a lesson for future prevention. Authorities are considering closer coordination between security data integration and agencies responsible for visa issuance, including the possible introduction of a scoring system for foreign nationals to prevent criminals from exploiting investment-based privileges to enter the country.
