Protest Convoy Stopped in Cha-am; Arrest Made Over Illegal Firearm
A protest convoy led by a Krabi sub-district head was intercepted by police in Cha-am, resulting in the arrest of his brother for illegal firearm possession.
On November 7, 2026, a protest convoy consisting of over 70 vehicles, led by Mr. Mano Kruakaew, the sub-district head of Krabi Noi, arrived in Cha-am, Phetchaburi province. The group, identifying as the 'People's Revolutionary Front for Land Protection,' was traveling from Prachuap Khiri Khan toward Bangkok. Upon reaching a police checkpoint near the Palm Hills Golf Club on Phet Kasem Road, officers from the Cha-am Police Station conducted a routine inspection of the vehicles. During the search, police discovered that Mr. Manit Kruakaew, the 47-year-old brother of the protest leader, was carrying a 9mm handgun along with 20 rounds of ammunition. He was subsequently taken into custody to face legal proceedings. Following the incident, the protest group planned to hold a rally on the beach in Cha-am before continuing their journey to Bangkok the following day. For residents and travelers in the area, this event may cause localized traffic disruptions near protest sites. While the police have addressed the immediate security concern regarding the weapon, the long-term impact of the protest movement and its planned activities in the capital remain to be confirmed. Authorities continue to monitor the situation to ensure public order.
