NAKHON SI THAMMARAT: A man who often posted photos of himself on social media carrying guns and swaggered around like a thug has been arrested at his house in Tha Sala district for possession of a small amount of crystal methamphetamine.
Officials also seized two BB guns.
A team from the Sriwichai special task force on Wednesday raided the house in tambon Klai and detained Akkhaphol Naksing, 27, whose Facebook user name was “Phayai Rai Nai Saimok’’ (Cruel tiger in veil of mist). He often posted photos of himself carrying guns on his page. He also was said to behave like a thug, putting fear into people who lived in the area.
The house was alleged to be used as a gathering place for drug users.
On seeing the officers approach the house, Mr Akkhaphol fled inside and hid in his bedroom, according to Phatthakarn Ratchanarong, assistant chief of Tha Sala district, who led the arresting team.
That did not prevent them taking him into custody, however.
A search of the house uncovered a small pack of crystal methamphetamine, drug-taking paraphernalia and two BB guns, like the guns shown on his Facebook page.
During questioning, Mr Akkhaphol said he was a son of a member of the local tambon administration organisation. He allegedly admitted buying the crystal meth from a man he identified only as Ju, for personal use and sale.
The two BB guns were not real pistols, he admitted. He posted photos of himself with them online to intimidate his rivals.
Officials said neighbours accused the man of acting like a thug and alleged he often invited groups of 5-6 friends to indulge in drugs at his house. They found his behaviour intimidating.
He was charged with illegal possession of drugs for use and sale, and was handed over to Tha Sala police.