Police have updated progress on the case of Ming Chen Sun, a Chinese man stockpiling weapons, highlighting that the arms cache is linked to conflicts within Cambodian scammer gangs. They affirm no terrorist target in Thailand and plan to revamp the visa screening system.
At 10:00 a.m. on 12 May 2026 at the Royal Thai Police headquarters, Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwpan, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, reported on the security case involving Ming Chen Sun, a 31-year-old Chinese man who crashed his car in Chonburi Province. This incident led to uncovering a cache of serious war weapons, including C4 explosives, M16 rifles, and numerous grenades hidden in his luxury Pattaya residence. The case has progressed significantly. Forensic and digital evidence revealed chat histories, images of weapons training, and accumulation of arms since late last year. All evidence clearly links the suspect to a network of scammer gangs in Cambodia, motivated mainly by preparations to face violent conflicts among these gangs themselves.
The Royal Thai Police spokesperson stated that current evidence shows no indication that the suspect or his network intends to carry out sabotage in Thailand or use weapons to harm Thai citizens. Regarding the suspect's claim of suffering from depression and stockpiling weapons for suicide, this is his legal right to assert. However, the investigation will rely on forensic evidence, which carries legal weight.
“The Financial Crime Suppression Division (Cyber Police) has been assigned to thoroughly examine the suspect’s accounts and financial transactions. They found tens of millions of baht circulating, directly linked to bank and cryptocurrency accounts used in scams by Cambodian scammer gangs.”
Lieutenant General Trairong said officials are continuing investigations into companies the suspect registered with his ex-wife and examining the reasons behind their marriage registration to find connections to the crimes. Regarding the suspect’s identity and entry status, checks show Ming Chen Sun legally entered Thailand through immigration using both Chinese and Cambodian passports, holding a PE (Privilege Entry) visa, which is for financially qualified individuals. He also has long-term residence status in South Korea.
The Royal Thai Police spokesperson added that this case will serve as a study to draw lessons. They plan to coordinate with agencies responsible for visa issuance to improve security information sharing and may implement a scoring system for foreigners to close loopholes that allow criminals to exploit financial status for special entry privileges. As for the corruption case involving a 2,000 baht bribe for falsifying Pink Card data, this is an individual offense by an official and will be investigated and prosecuted strictly.
“Regarding the arrest of accomplices, there are now six suspects in total, including government officials involved in selling Glock pistols to unqualified individuals. The Metropolitan Police Bureau has initiated disciplinary and criminal proceedings. Although arms suppliers tried to destroy evidence by removing serial numbers to avoid detection, authorities have traced at least one M16 rifle’s origin and are intensively investigating smuggling channels.”
Lieutenant General Trairong emphasized that Thailand is not a stronghold or hideout for transnational criminals or gray Chinese capital groups. However, due to its geographical proximity to neighboring countries hosting scammer camps and being a tourism hub, criminals may exploit it as a transit or residence point. Thai authorities have coordinated with China and Cambodia to dismantle these networks, affirming no foreign interference in Thailand’s sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Police Commissioner General Kittirat Phanphet has ordered all relevant agencies to review this case to enhance screening and oversight measures for high-risk foreigners, from entry procedures to residency, ensuring maximum safety for the nation and its people.
“The latest condition of the suspect showed severe seizures and shock from stress and three days of fasting during detention at Pattaya Special Prison, requiring emergency hospital treatment. His condition is now stable but remains under 24-hour close guard by special operations commandos.”
The Royal Thai Police spokesperson said the suspect is currently under the Department of Corrections’ supervision, which is responsible for initial health assessments and providing details. The Police Commissioner General is fully aware and has ordered strict control and security measures, respecting the suspect’s right to necessary medical care.
Regarding suspicions that the suspect might be using claims of mental illness or depression to evade responsibility despite extensive global travel and substantial assets, Lieutenant General Trairong acknowledged a genuine medical history but affirmed police do not fully accept the suspect’s statements. The suspect has the right to present any medical evidence, but in justice, digital evidence and recorded communications gathered by authorities are the most decisive proof. Police have rigorous procedures to detect and avoid deception by offenders.
Addressing criticism that the weapons cache might have remained undiscovered without the car accident, the police spokesperson clarified that success was not due solely to the accident but to the alertness and quick thinking of first responders. They did not treat the incident as just a traffic accident but conducted observations, searches, and follow-up investigations that uncovered irregularities, leading to the interception and arrest before the suspect could carry out any attack, even though the intended target was not in Thailand. This incident will be used as a case study to improve collaboration and operational procedures with related agencies.
At the conclusion, Lieutenant General Trairong rejected claims that police rushed to conclude the case from the first day, which could undermine public confidence. He firmly stated that the Royal Thai Police never prematurely decided the case; all investigations, charges, and public communications have proceeded based on evidence systematically, thoroughly, and transparently throughout.