BANGKOK, June 28 — Many firearms, military gear and quantities of ammunition were seized in raids at seven locations in Bangkok and its suburbs, police said, explaining that they believed the ammunition is linked to a group Thais arrested in the United States for illegally exporting restricted firearms to Thailand.
Crime Suppression Division (CSD) deputy commander Pol Col Akkaradej Pimolsri led officers raiding a house in the Lat Phrao area and found many items for military use such as 100 steel helmets, bulletproof vests, M-16 cartridges, smoke flares and bombs, and many war weapons parts. .
Prathum Kamamporn, 72, owner of the house, told police that all the firearms belong to her son, Chawapon Sawirasarit, 41, a real estate businessman who is now in England.
She said her son formerly supply arms to the Thai military.
Six Thais were arrested earlier in the United States for conspiring and illegally exporting restricted firearms parts to Thailand. Naris Lekhakul was described by the US authorities as a ring leader.
Col Akkaradej said the raids came after the authorities had searched Mr Naris’ home June 7 and seized many items of firearms. Police tracked his e-mails and found his correspondents to sell firearms to other people. Mr Chawapon was among Mr Naris’ customers.
Col Akkaradej said from the e-mails, police searched other six locations in Bang Pakok and Phra Khanong in Bangkok, as well as Pathum Thani, Samut Prakarn, Nakhon Sawan, and Rayong.
Firearms were found at all six locations but they have proper documentation, except for the arms at Mr Chawapon’s house.
