Myanmar National Arrested with Homemade Firearm on Phuket’s Bangla Road

A 22-year-old Myanmar national has been arrested on Phuket’s Bangla Road after police allegedly found him carrying an illegal homemade firearm.

According to a brief statement published by Patong Police, the arrest took place on July 4 during routine patrols in the island’s popular nightlife district.

Officers reportedly seized a homemade pistol designed to fire .38-caliber ammunition, along with a single live round. The suspect was taken into custody on charges of illegally possessing a firearm and carrying a weapon in a public place without authorization.

Police have not disclosed the circumstances that led to the arrest or whether the suspect was employed at one of the entertainment venues operating along Bangla Road.

Under Thailand’s Firearms Act, illegal possession of a firearm is punishable by one to ten years in prison, a fine of 2,000 to 20,000 baht, or both. Carrying a firearm in a public place without permission carries an additional penalty of up to five years' imprisonment, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both.

Thailand’s Criminal Code also provides for separate penalties for carrying a weapon in public without authorization, including confiscation of the firearm and a fine of up to 1,000 baht, even if the weapon is legally owned.

If the suspect is convicted, his immigration status could also be affected. Thai immigration authorities have the authority to revoke a foreign national’s visa and begin deportation proceedings, and in some cases this process may begin before a court reaches a final verdict.