The operation, launched at around 12:15am yesterday (Oct 27), was ordered by Phuket City Police Chief as part of intensified crime suppression and safety measures during the 2025 Phuket Vegetarian Festival.
Police teams swept through the Saphan Hin area following reports of youths gathering with racing motorcycles and suspected firearms. Officers arrested five male suspects, aged between 15 and 18, in three separate cases and seized several homemade guns along with ammunition.
In the first case, a 17-year-old and a 15-year-old were found with a homemade ‘break-action’ handgun (‘Thai Pradit’), two .45-calibre bullets (one explosive and one standard) and two .410-calibre shotgun cartridges. Both were charged with illegal possession of firearms and carrying weapons in public without permission.
In the second case, an 18-year-old was caught with a homemade pen gun and two .38-calibre rounds. He faces similar charges.
Two more suspects, aged 15 and 17, were arrested in the third case after being found with another homemade firearm. They too face charges of illegal possession and carrying a weapon in public without reasonable cause.
In addition to the firearms arrests, officers impounded 14 racing motorcycles and recorded the details of 26 at-risk youths. Parents were called to collect their children and formally notified of legal responsibilities under Sections 26(3) and 78 of the Child Protection Act B.E. 2546 (2003).
All suspects and seized items were taken to Phuket City Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings.
Pol Col Chatree said the operation aimed to ensure public safety during the Vegetarian Festival and prevent violent incidents.