Phuket police arrest teen with firearm at Rassada checkpoint

Phuket City police arrested an 18-year-old man at a Rassada checkpoint early Wednesday after officers found a firearm and ammunition during a routine road operation. Police said the arrest was made between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. on May 14 along Ruam Pattana Road, where the suspect, identified as Mr. Nat, was taken into custody.

Checkpoint inspection found altered blank gun and 11 rounds

Officers were conducting a stop-and-search operation when they checked 30 individuals, 10 cars and 20 motorcycles, according to Phuket City Police.

During that inspection, police found Mr. Nat carrying a modified blank gun and 11 rounds of .380-caliber ammunition. A formal arrest record was then prepared, officials said.

Police charged him with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition without authorization.

Authorities said the weapon was an unregistered blank gun that had been altered and was therefore classified as an illegal firearm under Thai law.

The case stemmed from the overnight checkpoint operation on Ruam Pattana Road, where officers were screening passing people and vehicles during the one-hour enforcement period.

Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/05/16/teen-arrested-with-firearm-at-rassada-checkpoint/