More Than 200 Rounds of Ammunition Seized in Bangkok Ahead of IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings
More Than 200 Rounds of Ammunition Seized in Bangkok Ahead of IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings
BANGKOK, October 10, 2026 — Bangkok police have arrested a 21-year-old man after an undercover operation allegedly uncovered modified blank-firing guns, more than 200 rounds of ammunition and suspected explosive components at his home in Prawet district.
The arrest comes just days before Bangkok hosts the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings 2026, scheduled for October 12–18, as Thai authorities intensify security preparations for the international event.
Police identified the suspect only as Mr P. He was arrested on October 9 following an alleged controlled purchase arranged by officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Special Operations Division.
Guns, ammunition and suspected detonators seized
Police said officers seized three .380 blank-firing guns, including one that had been modified and two others allegedly awaiting modification.
The seized ammunition included 30 rounds of .22 calibre, 20 rounds of 5.56mm, 100 rounds of .380, one 12-gauge round and 20 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Officers also found 50 blank cartridges.
The haul included one 5.56mm magazine, four 7.62mm magazines and one .22 magazine.
Police additionally recovered 14 suspicious items believed to be materials associated with explosive devices. Four were described as small electrically operated detonator cartridges that could potentially be used with C4 explosives.
The items have been sent for forensic examination, while explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) officers have been asked to assess the suspected explosive components.
The operation was overseen by Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner Lt Gen Siam Boonsom and Deputy Commissioner Lt Gen Phallop Aemla, alongside other senior officers.
Undercover investigation tracked alleged online sales
According to police, the investigation formed part of a government and Royal Thai Police crackdown on crime linked to security preparations for the IMF-World Bank meetings.
Special Operations Division officers said they had monitored groups on Line and Telegram where firearms, explosive circuit boards and items including squibs were allegedly offered for sale.
The investigation led officers to Mr P, after which they contacted him and arranged the operation that resulted in his arrest.
Suspect says he assembled components as a hobby
Police said Mr P was studying through non-formal education and had reportedly been making firearms and detonation circuit boards for about two years, beginning in 2024. Officers also found an explosive ordnance disposal manual inside the property, according to police.
During questioning, the suspect reportedly admitted in part to assembling explosive circuit boards but denied selling them, saying he made the items out of personal interest.
Police said further inquiries would seek to establish whether any items had been sold and identify potential buyers. The suspicious materials are also undergoing examination by EOD specialists.
Mr P was charged with possessing firearms and ammunition without a licence, as well as possessing firearms for which registration licences cannot be issued. He was handed over to investigators at Prawet Police Station for further legal proceedings.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not announced whether the seized materials were connected to any specific threat against the upcoming international meetings.
