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On 9 October 2026, Bangkok police arrested a 21-year-old man accused of modifying firearms and assembling explosive-trigger components. The suspect, identified only as P, was apprehended at a residence in Prawet district, Bangkok. The investigation, which was launched as part of a government and Royal Thai Police crackdown on crime ahead of the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings, was sparked by information about the alleged sale of firearms and explosive-circuit components.

Police seized multiple guns, about 200 rounds of ammunition, and suspected detonators that can be used with C4 explosives. Items seized included one modified .380-calibre blank gun, two .380-calibre blank guns prepared for modification, 30 rounds of .22-calibre ammunition, 20 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 100 rounds of .380-calibre ammunition, one 12-gauge round, 20 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 50 blank rounds, one 5.56mm magazine, four 7.62mm magazines, one .22-calibre magazine, and 14 suspected explosive precursor items.

Four of the items were detonator cartridges described as small electrically operated devices that can be used with C4 explosives. The suspect, who reportedly had been assembling the components for about two years, partially admitted to assembling explosive-related circuit boards but denied selling them. Police are expanding the investigation to determine if he had supplied the items to anyone else or if there were additional buyers. Explosive ordnance disposal officers have been asked to examine the suspected devices.

Brief written by urgent.news from Khaosod English's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.