Authorities are maintaining strict custody of a Chinese man found hiding a weapons cache including C4 explosives, who has been sent for detention at Pattaya Court. The suspect's expression remained calm and emotionless. Immigration immediately revoked his visa. Meanwhile, his ex-wife revealed they are divorced and no longer in contact.
Following an incident where a luxury car lost control and struck a concrete barrier along the Huay Yai railway road, police from Na Jomtien Station inspected the vehicle and discovered firearms inside. Further investigation led them to search a residence in a housing estate in Village No. 2, Huay Yai Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, where they found a large cache of war weapons including firearms, ammunition, C4 explosives, and military equipment. This case has drawn close attention from security agencies.
This morning (9 May 2026), reporter coverage noted that Police Lieutenant Colonel Arthit Saenpanya, deputy investigation officer of Na Jomtien Police Station handling the case, brought the Chinese national Mr. Ming Chen from the detention room for additional questioning in the interrogation room, with an interpreter present throughout. During custody, the suspect appeared expressionless, spoke little, and seemed distracted. Authorities then fingerprinted, recorded his details, and transported him for detention at Pattaya Provincial Court, as the court was open for half a day on Saturday before the extended public holiday.
Reports indicate that police have increased security measures, escorting the suspect with patrol cars throughout the route due to the case's sensitivity and possible links to international criminal networks. The suspect is believed to be under accumulated stress and may suffer from depression, requiring close monitoring while in custody.
Initially, investigators have filed multiple serious charges including illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, carrying firearms in public without valid reason, possession of firearms not eligible for licensing, possession of explosives without authorization, and possession of military equipment without permission from the Ministry of Defence's permanent secretary.
At the same time, Colonel Napatsaphong Khositsuriyamanee, commander of Chonburi Immigration, ordered immigration officers to issue a deportation notice — the so-called “blacklist” — to the suspect. They will proceed with deportation immediately after the legal process is completed.
Regarding the woman seen in footage from the incident, authorities confirmed she is merely a friend of the suspect. The two met during the suspect’s trip to Taiwan in January this year. She worked as a tour guide and traveled to Thailand in April, later arranging for the suspect to show her around Pattaya. CCTV footage at the residence showed they stayed in separate rooms. She holds a plane ticket to return to her country on 10 May but the incident occurred before then. Police have found no evidence linking her to the war weapons or explosives discovered.
Additionally, at approximately 8:30 p.m. last night, police from Nimit Mai Station, along with investigative units from the Metropolitan Police Bureau, conducted a raid on a residence on Hatha Rat Road, Sam Wa Tawan Tok Subdistrict, Khlong Sam Wa District, Bangkok, following information linking it to Mr. Ming Chen’s ex-wife.
During questioning, Ms. Chantima said she married Mr. Ming Chen on 20 July 2022 and divorced on 21 April 2025. They met while dining at the Waterside restaurant, then dated and lived together for some time. After marriage, Mr. Ming Chen regularly traveled in and out of Thailand, claiming to run a car rental business in South Korea and mostly resided in Pattaya.
The ex-wife added that since their divorce, they have had no further contact or meetings. Police found no illegal items or dangerous materials during their search of her residence.
Currently, police and security agencies are conducting a thorough investigation to trace the origin of the weapons, explosives, and military equipment, determining whether they were smuggled in and if there was intent to use them in criminal acts. They are also examining connections to international crime networks, as some of the seized items are military-grade weapons with potential severe impact on national security.
Police have seized the following evidence: four hand grenades of the same type, one K75 hand grenade, four anti-personnel trap grenades resembling corn cobs, one anti-personnel grenade, three grenade detonators, an unknown-weight box of C4 explosives, two sticks of C4 explosives weighing 1.25 pounds each, remote detonators, two M4 assault rifles, one handgun, numerous rounds of assorted ammunition, and several gasoline containers.
Moreover, five C4 explosives weighing 16 pounds each were found assembled into a vest with remote detonation systems concealed inside the residence.