The police spokesperson revealed progress in the case of the "Chinese man" found with a weapons cache, noting the suspect has a complex identity status and that financial trails are under investigation. Regarding the police firearms, they were pawned through multiple transactions. The last person to possess the weapons before selling them to the suspect was a police officer with the rank of "Deputy Superintendent," who had previously been subject to disciplinary investigation.
On 9 May 2026 at 17:40 at Najomtien Police Station, Chonburi Province, Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwpan, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, disclosed that investigations into Mr. Ming Chen, the Chinese suspect who stored numerous war weapons at his home, are ongoing. The inquiry aims to trace the origins of all weapons and identify involved persons.
Regarding whether the weapons were intended for sabotage or suicide, the investigation is exploring all hypotheses from every angle, as the suspect’s large accumulation of weapons exceeds what an individual would typically collect for self-defense or suicide.
Concerning the security issue involving the suspect’s alleged training with the BHQ unit, Police Lieutenant General Samran Nuanma, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, has assigned the Special Branch Police to conduct a thorough investigation. The National Police Office will continue to examine all aspects extensively.
Regarding the legality of the suspect’s identity cards, including a pink card and driver’s license in his possession, Police Lieutenant General Trairong stated that preliminary information indicates the suspect has a complex identity with multiple layers, holding passports and residency statuses in several countries. A detailed verification is underway, with immigration officers conducting deeper checks.
The financial trail involved in purchasing the firearms is still under investigation. Authorities have summoned all individuals related to the suspect, including personal and other connections, to provide information. Details remain part of the ongoing inquiry.
Among the evidence is a firearm that belonged to a police officer from Sai Mai Police Station, purchased through a welfare program and pawned multiple times. Authorities have traced the last transaction before it reached the suspect, identifying the individual as a police officer with the rank of "Deputy Superintendent," who had been subject to a disciplinary committee. The status of that disciplinary case is still under review. The firearm sale between the suspect and the officer was conducted face-to-face, without a transfer of registration. Investigations continue into the nature of their acquaintance and relationship.
Today's interrogations showed more progress than the previous day, yielding additional information that will enable action against the suspect and other persons involved in the case. The Chinese suspect has cooperated to a certain extent during questioning.
All firearms remain under examination regarding how they were bought and sold. Initial findings show transactions occurred both in person and online.