A profile has emerged of a Chinese man involved in a car rollover accident whose home in Chonburi Province was searched, uncovering a weapons cache including war arms and C4 explosives. He holds passports from both China and Cambodia. Neighbors said he was usually friendly, often greeting and chatting openly.
On 9 May 2026, authorities reported progress in the case of Ming Chen, 31, a Chinese national who crashed his sedan in Na Jomtien Police Station jurisdiction, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province. Police found a firearm with magazines inside his vehicle. Following this, they searched his residence in Huay Yai Alley and discovered war weapons, highly destructive explosives, various types of hand grenades totaling 10, plus explosive components and large quantities of fuel, as previously reported.Read more: Search of Chinese man's house after car crash uncovers small arms cache and GPT chats on sabotage plans.)
At 10:30 p.m. on 8 May 2026, Police Major General Pongpan Wongmanithes, Commander of Chonburi Provincial Police, arrived at the residence where war weapons and explosives were found. He led a thorough examination of the scene and instructed the Na Jomtien Police investigation and interrogation teams to record and seize all evidence found. He also arranged for the Chonburi Forensic Police Division 2 to conduct detailed evidence collection at the site again.
Police Major General Pongpan Wongmanithes, Commander of Chonburi Provincial Police, stated that the National Police Chief, Police General Kittirat Phanphet, has ordered a comprehensive investigation covering security and safety in all aspects. Details concerning the case, including the firearms and explosives resembling bombs found, remain undisclosed to avoid jeopardizing the investigation.
Regarding the large cache of explosive-like materials intended for malicious acts, no direct connections have yet been identified. However, authorities are conducting a detailed investigation, including tracing the origin of all such materials. Since the suspect reportedly suffers from depression, psychiatrists will be consulted to determine the validity of this condition. Police request time to complete their work and will provide updates as the investigation progresses.
The investigation team includes multiple units: the Regional 2 Investigation Police, Chonburi Provincial Investigation Police, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team of Chonburi, Immigration Police, the Chinese Embassy, and security agencies. This collaboration aims to clarify the case and build confidence among the public.
Regarding Ming Chen’s background, he rented the house for 38,000 baht per month and lived there for about two years. He first entered Thailand in 2020 on a tourist visa and has since traveled frequently in and out of the country. His most recent entry was on 27 January 2026 using a "re-entry visa," which allows holders of long-term visas (such as work, marriage, or retirement visas) to re-enter Thailand. This visa is valid for up to five years.
The seized items currently include: 1. One Glock 26 pistol; 2. Two Glock 26 magazine pouches; 3. Ten 9mm rounds; 4. One M16 magazine pouch; 5. Twenty-eight 5.56mm rounds; 6. One holster. Items found in the house include: 1. Two M16 rifles; 2. Nine M16 magazine pouches; 3. Seven hundred sixty-three 5.56mm rounds; 4. One box of C4 explosive weighing 2,486.4 grams; 5. Two C4 explosive sticks weighing 1,173 grams (total 4,832.4 grams); 6. Four Russian POMZ2 anti-personnel mine traps; 7. Four BA/WA type hand grenades; 8. One Korean K75 type hand grenade; 9. One Burmese M6/01 type hand grenade; 10. Seven electric detonators; 11. Three POMZ2 mine triggers; 12. Two POMZ2 safety pins; 13. Two remote control receiver-transmitters; 14. Three bulletproof vests; 15. Two gas masks; 16. Six gas mask filters; 17. Four 20-liter gasoline containers.
Additionally, Ming Chen holds both Chinese and Cambodian passports, as well as a Thai non-citizen identification card (pink card). He is registered as a resident at a house in Soi Hathairat 37, Sam Wa Tawan Tok Subdistrict, Khlong Sam Wa District, Bangkok, with an ID number matching his non-citizen card. He moved there from a house in Village 9, Chiang Dao Subdistrict, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province on 14 November 2023. Police are currently verifying this information.
A reporter spoke with a villager who wished to remain anonymous. They said the Chinese man was normally very friendly, greeting and chatting easily with others. However, upon learning about the storage of dangerous materials—specifically the C4 explosives—they admitted feeling very shocked. They said if the explosives had detonated, the entire village would have suffered greatly.