Pattaya Terror Investigation Widens After Discovery of C4, Grenades and Rifles
Pattaya Terror Investigation Widens After Discovery of C4, Grenades and Rifles
BANGKOK, May 9, 2026 — Thai police have expanded an investigation into a suspected terror plot after arresting a Chinese national and seizing military-grade weapons, explosives and tactical equipment from a rented property near the tourist city of Pattaya, authorities said on Saturday.
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Mingchen Sun, was detained after crashing his vehicle in the Na Jomtien area of Sattahip district in Chonburi province on Friday.
Police said officers searching the vehicle allegedly discovered a handgun and ammunition magazines, prompting a raid on a rented house in Huai Yai, Bang Lamung district. Investigators later recovered assault rifles, grenades, detonators, C4 explosives and other military-style equipment from the property.
Chonburi Provincial Police commander Phongphan Wongmanit travelled to the scene late Friday to oversee the investigation and ordered officers to document all seized items and coordinate with forensic teams.
Authorities said National Police Chief Kittirat Phanphet had instructed investigators to examine all possible motives, including issues related to national security and public safety.
Police are investigating whether the cache of weapons and explosives was intended for a planned attack and are tracing the origin of the military hardware. The suspect’s claim that he suffered from depression will also be reviewed by psychiatrists as part of the investigation, officials said.
The probe now involves multiple agencies, including Provincial Police Region 2, immigration police, explosive ordnance disposal teams, security authorities and representatives from the Chinese embassy.
Investigators said the suspect had rented the property for 38,000 baht ($1,040) per month and had reportedly lived there for around two years. Immigration records showed he had entered and exited Thailand multiple times since 2020, most recently re-entering the country in January on a long-stay visa.
Thai authorities have not publicly confirmed any links to organised militant groups, and no charges related to terrorism had been formally announced as of Saturday.
