In Buriram, police arrested a 19-year-old man along with a live grenade during a crackdown before Valentine’s Day. He admitted that he likes explosives and weapons of war and planned to surprise his girlfriend with a real grenade on the day of love but was caught beforehand.
On 13 February 2026, after Police Colonel Anan Thongbanterng, Superintendent of Satuek Police Station in Buriram province, ordered officers to tighten security and crack down on illegal activities before Valentine’s Day, as youth often commit offenses during this period.
Subsequently, Police Lieutenant Colonel Phanuwat Makmun, Deputy Superintendent (Investigation), mobilized forces to intensify the crackdown on illegal items and narcotics, following the directive of Police Major General Warayut Chanyeam, Commander of Buriram Provincial Police.
They learned that Mr. Theerapat, also known as Kla, 19, a resident of Yang Ta Sad village, Sakae subdistrict, Satuek district, Buriram, who works as a car paint technician at a local garage and has an interest in weapons of war. Authorities proceeded to inspect and search his residence.
They found a live HDGR 73 hand grenade, designed for anti-personnel use and manufactured in Austria, hidden inside a pink plastic box within the house. The suspect was taken into custody for questioning at Satuek Police Station.
Mr. Theerapat said he bought the grenade from Mr. Wut, 33, from Surin province, for 1,000 baht three months ago because he has liked collecting firearms and grenades since childhood. He insisted he never intended to harm anyone and has no enemies. Previously, sensing he might be arrested, he entrusted the grenade to a younger acquaintance, Mr. Ae (alias), 17.
He admitted that on 14 February, Valentine’s Day, he planned to surprise his girlfriend, whom he had been dating for about a month, with the grenade but did not expect the police to catch him. He asked his girlfriend to wait for him.
He was initially charged with possession of explosive devices or weapons of war without a permit from the registrar. The police coordinated with the EOD unit to safely destroy the grenade.