Phitsanulok: The Provincial Police in Phitsanulok have launched a significant operation targeting illegal firearms, uncovering over 2,200 forged firearms permits (P.3 permits) allegedly sold to ethnic minorities. The discovery comes as part of a broader initiative to curb the illegal arms trade in the region.
According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Provincial Administration spearheaded "Operation Clean Up Illegal Firearms in Phitsanulok," focusing on raiding shops and brokers' homes after identifying irregularities in firearms permits issuance. The operation revealed that these permits were used to illegally smuggle and sell weapons to ethnic minorities along the border. Authorities are now probing into potential money laundering activities and have initiated the revocation of involved licenses.
Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, prioritizing the fight against corruption, social order, and influential figures, has tasked Deputy Minister of Interior Jetset Thaiseth and Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration Narucha Khosasilai with taking decisive actions. Sakchai Rojanarat, Director of the Law Enforcement Operations Center for Provincial Administration officials, led the operation in Phitsanulok, where a special operations unit conducted court-warranted searches, exposing an illegal arms trafficking network in Mueang Phitsanulok District.
The investigation stemmed from the Department of Provincial Administration's findings of anomalies in the firearms registration system in Mueang Phitsanulok District. Between 2020 and 2026, 2,255 individuals had applied for personal firearms or ammunition permits (Form P.3) without obtaining the subsequent permits to possess and use firearms (Form P.4), indicating potential forgery. This prompted further inquiry and the deployment of a Special Operations Unit to address the issue, leading to the current crackdown.
Armed with search warrants from the Phitsanulok Provincial Court, the special operations unit raided three locations, including a firearms retail shop and suspected brokers' residences. Officials seized critical evidence related to the acquisition and distribution of firearms, launching a comprehensive investigation into the network's operations.
The network is suspected to function as an organized crime syndicate involving gun retailers, government officials, and intermediaries, all conspiring to exploit systemic loopholes for illegal arms distribution. This corrupt practice poses a significant threat to national security, as revealed by a covert investigation that uncovered the smuggling of firearms into ethnic minority groups via northern borders.
Further inquiries will aim to identify any officials or individuals complicit in these activities. Legal proceedings will be pursued rigorously against any involved parties, with one gun shop already facing charges for license forgery in Chiang Khong District, Chiang Rai Province. The Department of Provincial Administration intends to revoke its firearms trading license.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has reiterated that anyone exploiting legal loopholes for unlawful gain will face prosecution without regard for their rank or former positions. Citizens are encouraged to report complaints through district and provincial grievance centers or the Ministry of Interior's 24-hour hotline at 1567.