Arrests Spotlight Thailand’s Role in Regional Arms Trafficking Routes

Arrests Spotlight Thailand’s Role in Regional Arms Trafficking Routes

Nakhon Si Thammarat, Feb. 13, 2026 — Thai police have arrested three men accused of operating an online arms trafficking network that allegedly sold military-style weapons, including M16 rifles and grenades, to buyers nationwide and along Thailand’s western border, officials said on Thursday.

The suspects, aged 23 to 26 and from Thung Song district in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, were detained following an undercover operation by officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau and Provincial Police Region 8.

Police said investigators posed as buyers and later secured court-approved search warrants before raiding properties in Kapang district.

Authorities seized two M16A1 assault rifles, a shotgun, multiple handguns, two M67 fragmentation grenades and nearly 300 rounds of ammunition. Illicit drugs were also found during the operation, police said.

Pol Maj Gen Pornchai Khajonkliang, acting commander of Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Police, said investigators believe the group supplied weapons across Thailand and to buyers near the western border.

The suspects face multiple firearms-related charges and remain in custody as police expand the investigation to trace the origin of the weapons and related financial transactions.