BURIRAM – Police in Satuek District arrested a 19-year-old man after finding a deadly hand grenade during a pre-Valentine’s Day crackdown. The suspect told officers he likes explosives and military weapons, and he planned to show the real grenade to his girlfriend as a “surprise” for Valentine’s Day. Police detained him before he could do it.
On February 13, 2026, Col. Anan Thongbanthoeng, chief of Satuek Police Station in Buriram, ordered officers to tighten security and step up checks ahead of Valentine’s Day. Police said the period often brings increased trouble involving teens.
Next, Lt. Col. Phanuwat Makmun, deputy chief of investigations, led a team to search for illegal items and drugs. The operation followed the policy from the Buriram Provincial Police commander.
During the investigation, officers learned that a local man, Theeraphat (nicknamed Kla), 19, worked as an auto paint technician in Satuek. Police said he was known for an interest in military-style weapons, so they moved in to verify the information and search the home.
Inside, officers found an HDGR 73 fragmentation hand grenade, made in Austria, in ready-to-use condition. They said he hid it in a pink plastic box inside the house. Police then took him to Satuek Police Station for questioning.
The suspect told investigators he bought the grenade from a man named Wut, 33, from Surin Province, about three months earlier, for 1,000 baht. He said he has collected guns and explosives since he was young. He also claimed he never planned to hurt anyone and said he has no enemies.
He added that he had a bad feeling police might catch him, so he previously left the grenade with a 17-year-old acquaintance (name withheld) for safekeeping.
He later admitted he planned to bring the grenade out on February 14, Valentine’s Day, to surprise his girlfriend. He said they had been dating for about one month. He also said he didn’t expect police to track him down so quickly, and he asked his girlfriend to wait for him.
Key Details of the Arrest
-
Location: Satuek District, Buriram Province, Thailand.
-
Suspect: Theeraphat (nicknamed “Kla”), age 19.
-
Weapon Found: One Austrian-made HDGR 73 fragmentation hand grenade.
-
Charges: Possession of an illegal explosive device/weapon of war.
Police filed an initial charge for possession of an explosive device or weapon of war, which cannot be legally licensed by the registrar. Officers also coordinated with the EOD unit to remove and destroy the grenade.
