Cyber police are intensifying their crackdown on all types of crime, arresting a hotel employee for illegally purchasing over 300 bullets through a secret online group. The suspect claimed the ammunition was bought solely for target practice at a shooting range.
On 4 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Pol. Lt. Gen. Surapol Prembutr, Commander of the Cyber Crime Division, along with Pol. Lt. Gen. Naradet Thiprak, Deputy Commander assigned to the Cyber Crime Division, and Pol. Maj. Gen. Sarayut Junnawat, Commander of Cyber Crime Division 2, ordered Pol. Col. Tosak Panklinphut, Superintendent of Division 4, Cyber Crime Division 2, and his deputies Pol. Lt. Col. Jirawat Buringam, Pol. Lt. Col. Aekarin Sonnak, and Pol. Capt. Praphat Somwong, analysts attached to Division 4, Cyber Crime Division 2, plus Lt. Sub. Lt. Kukkiet Chertsungnoen, Deputy Inspector of Division 4, Cyber Crime Division 2,
to execute search warrant no. 76/2569 dated 3 Feb 2026 GMT+7 issued by Thanyaburi Provincial Court. They searched a house in Moo 6, a luxury village in the Rangsit-Klong 4 area, Lat Sawai Subdistrict, Lam Luk Ka District, Pathum Thani Province, arresting Mr. Watthana Nontasila, 35, a hotel employee and homeowner. Seized were a Glock 26 9mm pistol and 50 bullets, charged with "illegal possession of firearms and ammunition without a permit."
Pol. Col. Tosak stated that following the Royal Thai Police Chief's directive, they are enforcing a crackdown on all crime forms, targeting influential groups and illegal firearms ahead of the election day.
In August 2025 GMT+7, investigators from Division 4, Cyber Crime Division 2, detected a secret group trading firearms and related equipment via the LINE app, with over 400 members. Investigations revealed Mr. Watthana was among customers who ordered ammunition online three times, totaling more than 300 bullets.
Additionally, investigators have already arrested over 10 people involved in illegal firearm and equipment trading within this secret group. After gathering evidence, they obtained a court search warrant to raid the suspect’s residence and arrest Mr. Watthana along with the seized firearms. Verification found no permit documents for possession of the firearms and ammunition.
In initial questioning, Mr. Watthana claimed the firearm belonged to a relative. He said he enjoys shooting and purchased the ammunition online solely for practice at shooting ranges, denying any illegal use of the gun. Authorities have detained him for legal proceedings.