LAMPHUN: A man was arrested following the seizure of several war weapons as well as ammunition from his house in Muang district on Saturday morning.
A team of police and soldiers searched the house in tambon Sribuaban of this northern province and found many firearms hidden inside. They included a 9mm submachine gun with two magazines holding 23 rounds of bullets, five hand grenades, two recoilless rifles, eight sticks of dynamite, two M47 magazines, two M16 magazines and other ammunition, said police. Also seized were two chainsaws.
Prachan Jawana claimed to be owner of the house. He said he owned only the submachine gun, but denied any knowledge of the other firearms. He was being held in custody at Muang district police station pending further legal action.
The seized items,. said to be worth more than one million baht, were displayed at a media briefing at the station on Saturday morning. Attending were Lamphun governor Atthasit Samphantharat; Col Bannnawat Prommachan, deputy commander of the Lamphun-based task force to maintain peace and order, and other senior officers.
Authorities said the investigation was being extended to find out the source of the weapons.
Some of the seized firearms and ammunition on display following a raid on a Lamphun property. (Photo by Cheewin Sattha)
Authorities interrogate homeowner Prachan Jawana after the discovery of the weapons. (Photo by Cheewin Sattha)