The driver of a BMW sedan was arrested after police found a pistol and 28 rounds of ammunition concealed under his seat at a checkpoint in Phuket’s Muang district on Monday night.
Interior permanent secretary Unsit Sampuntharat said on Tuesday the check point was operating under the supervision of officials led by Phuket deputy governor Khetrath Chansilp, acting security adviser to the Interior Ministry, and Muang Phuket district chief Siwat Rawangkul. It was in tambon Koh Kaew.
Officials stopped and searched a BMW that aroused their suspicions and found a CZ pistol with a magazine containing 28 rounds in a bag underneath the driver's seat.
The driver, identified only as Nat, 37, was unable to produce a permit to possess, use or carry a firearm. He was detained and charged.
The diver and seized weapon were handed over to Muang Phuket police for legal action.
Mr Unsit said provincial administrative officials and police have stepped up checkpoints and roadblocks across the country since Aug 7 as part of measures ordered by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to strengthen public safety and protect lives and property.
He warned people against knowingly breaking the law, particularly carrying firearms in vehicles or public places, saying such offences were serious and could not be justified on the grounds of self-defence or other purposes. Offenders would face the maximum penalties stipulated by law
The prime minister had previously ordered a temporary suspension of the issuing of licences to carry, effective for one year from Feb 20.
Provincial administrative officials would continue setting up checkpoints and roadblocks while conducting joint operations to search suspected areas, he said.
Anyone found in possession of an unlicensed or unregistered firearm would face the maximum penalty prescribed by law, Mr Unsit said. People who possess unregistered firearms should surrender them, and could do so at any district office.
