Thai police are investigating a large arsenal of military-grade weapons — including assault rifles, explosives, grenades and anti-personnel mines — found in a Chinese man’s home, authorities said Saturday.
Two M16 assault rifles, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, Russian land mines, shells, gasoline and nearly five kilograms (11 pounds) of explosives were found at the home of Sun Mingchen, 31, near the beach resort of Pattaya.
There were no clear links to a planned attack, Chonburi province’s public affairs department said in a statement, but local police chief Pongphan Wongmanithet told reporters at the scene that they were “investigating the security implications”.
Sun was charged with illegal possession of an unauthorized weapon and could face up to 10 years in prison.
Thai media reported that the suspect’s phone contained AI-powered chatbot searches for military assets of plastic explosives and videos of him handling weapons, fueling concerns of possible “terrorist” intent.
Police are investigating the motive of the suspect, who will be sent for psychological evaluation, Pongphan said.
The raid on Sun’s home was prompted after police found a handgun in a car with two Chinese nationals on board during a traffic stop on Friday.
According to authorities, he had a long-term visa in Thailand and had been living at the property for about two years.
