UPDATE: Phuket checkpoint search finds firearm and ammunition under BMW seat
Officials detained a 29-year-old driver after finding a CZ firearm, magazines and 9mm ammunition beneath a BMW’s driver’s seat at a Koh Kaew checkpoint; reports differ on whether 30 or 28 rounds were found.
Mueang Phuket district officials detained a 29-year-old driver after finding a CZ firearm, magazines and 9mm ammunition beneath the driver’s seat of a BMW during a checkpoint in Koh Kaew on 10 August 2026.
The checkpoint was set up at about 8.30pm as part of efforts to prevent violent crime, drug offences, firearms offences and other illegal activity. Officials stopped and searched the BMW after considering it suspicious.
Reports differ over the ammunition count. The Thaiger reported that officers found 30 rounds of 9mm ammunition, while Bangkok Post said the search found a CZ pistol with a magazine containing 28 rounds. Both accounts describe the BMW checkpoint detention in Mueang Phuket district, but the difference has not been resolved.
The driver could not produce a licence to possess and use the firearm or a permit to carry it. Officials seized the weapon and ammunition and transferred him to Mueang Phuket Police Station for further investigation.
He was initially accused of carrying a firearm and ammunition in a public place without permission or reasonable cause, and of possessing another person’s legally registered firearm without permission.
Bangkok Post reported that the checkpoint operated under the supervision of officials led by Phuket deputy governor Khetrath Chansilp, acting security adviser to the Interior Ministry, and Mueang Phuket district chief Siwat Rawangkul.
Interior permanent secretary Unsit Sampuntharat said provincial administrative officials and police had stepped up checkpoints and roadblocks across the country since 7 August under measures ordered by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to strengthen public safety and protect lives and property.
Unsit warned that carrying firearms in vehicles or public places was a serious offence and could not be justified by self-defence or other purposes. He said offenders would face the maximum penalties provided by law. Bangkok Post also reported that the issuing of licences to carry firearms had been temporarily suspended for one year from 20 February. Unsit said people possessing unregistered firearms should surrender them at any district office.
The Phuket Info Centre said the case falls under Thailand’s Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, Fireworks and Imitation Firearms Act of 1947. Section 7 requires permission to possess and use firearms or ammunition, with violations carrying one to 10 years in prison and a fine of B2,000 to B20,000. Section 8 bis regulates carrying firearms in towns, villages and public places, with violations carrying up to five years in prison, a fine of up to B10,000, or both.
The charges and penalties ultimately applicable to the driver will depend on the police investigation, including the firearm’s registration and licensing status.
