BANGKOK – Thai police have arrested a 16-year-old boy in Bangkok’s Laksi district following a major raid. Officers stormed his condominium after discovering an illegal online firearms business.
The teenager allegedly modified guns and sold them to buyers through a private Line group. This hidden online network had grown rapidly and included more than 300 active members.
The raid took place at a prominent condominium in the Chaeng Watthana area on Wednesday. Officers from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division successfully led the targeted operation. They seized a modified 9mm handgun, various gun parts, and several rounds of live ammunition. The young suspect, identified only by the nickname “Nui”, confessed to owning the illegal items.
Key Takeaways
- A 16-year-old boy was arrested in Bangkok for allegedly running an illegal online gun shop.
- Police raided his condo and seized a modified 9mm handgun along with live ammunition.
- The teen sold these illegal weapons through a private social media group with over 300 members.
Police began their investigation after spotting advertisements for firearms on social media platforms. A user operating under the name “Krarok” offered modified guns to a private online group. Investigators set up a clever sting operation and contacted the young seller directly. The teenager even made a video call to prove he had the weapons ready for sale.
During the undercover operation, the teen offered a modified Beretta-style handgun for 8,500 baht. He proudly claimed the gun was fully functional and ready for immediate use. The young seller also bragged about his unique skills in avoiding police detection. Officers quickly tracked his digital footprint and secured a search warrant for his home.
The police also reviewed the financial records linked to the illegal weapon sales. They discovered that the teenager used other people’s bank accounts to secretly receive payments. When asked why he carried a gun outside, the boy claimed it was purely for self-defense. He told police he had many friends but also frequently fought with dangerous rivals.
Crackdown on Youth Gun Violence and Illegal Firearms Trafficking
The teenager now faces serious legal trouble following his unexpected arrest. Police formally charged him with the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. He was quickly taken to the Thung Song Hong police station for further legal action. Authorities plan to continue investigating the buyer network linked to his online group.
This recent arrest highlights a growing concern over youth involvement in the illegal arms trade. Thai police are working hard to completely shut down these hidden online networks.
Social media platforms are increasingly being used by criminals to bypass traditional security measures. Police promise to take strict legal action against anyone caught selling weapons online. Keeping illegal firearms off the local streets remains a top priority for city authorities. The general public is highly encouraged to report any suspicious online sales to the police immediately.
