Police Arrest Man Carrying Illegal Firearm in Nong Khai

According to a report by Khaosod Online Thailand, police officers from the Mueang Nong Khai station arrested a man on September 18, 2026, following a pursuit near a school on the Nong Khai-Phon Phisai Road. The incident began when officers, who were en route to a gas station, noticed a man riding a green Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle who appeared visibly startled by their presence.

When officers attempted to conduct a search, the suspect allegedly swerved his motorcycle into the police vehicle and fled toward a nearby wooded area. During the pursuit, the man discarded an object, which police later recovered. The item was identified as a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson Model 10 revolver accompanied by 24 rounds of ammunition stored in a plastic bag. The suspect, identified as Mr. Chaiwat from Sakon Nakhon province, was subsequently taken into custody. Following his arrest, authorities conducted a drug test, and the suspect reportedly confessed to using methamphetamine prior to the encounter.

For residents and travelers, this incident highlights the ongoing enforcement of firearm regulations in the region. While the suspect is in custody, the investigation into his intent to sell the weapon and his drug use remains ongoing. Travelers should be aware that police presence is active on major provincial routes, and any suspicious behavior can lead to immediate intervention by law enforcement.