Thai authorities implemented tight security measures on Saturday (May 9) as they escorted 31-year-old Chinese man Sun Mingchen to the Pattaya Court to apply for pre-trial detention. Prior to this, Sun Mingchen was arrested after a car accident revealed his possession of a large number of military-grade weapons and explosives. Thailand has conducted a comprehensive investigation into the case, with a focus on national and public security.
According to the Bangkok Post, the incident began on Friday evening (May 8) at 6:00 pm when the Na Jomtien police received a report of a car overturning in the Bang Lamung area. Fortunately, no one was injured in the accident.
The driver involved was Sun Mingchen, with a Taiwanese woman as a passenger. Further investigation revealed that Sun Mingchen holds Chinese and Cambodian passports, as well as a pink identity card, which is an official identification document for foreign residents residing long-term in Thailand.
After conducting a search of the vehicle, the police discovered military-grade weapons, leading to an investigation that took them to Sun Mingchen’s residence in Pattaya. There, the authorities were shocked to find a significant amount of military-grade weapons, some of which were marked with “LOT RTA,” indicating they were produced by the Royal Thai Army Ammunition Plant for official use.
Police revealed that the residence was also rigged with booby traps, with grenades connected to tripwires, reminiscent of scenes from action movies.
Authorities found a bulletproof vest equipped with C-4 explosives and a detonator in Sun Mingchen’s proximity, prompting the evacuation of nearby residents.
Further unsettling evidence was discovered on Sun Mingchen’s phone, revealing that he had used ChatGPT to inquire about methods of causing destruction in key locations, including the destructive power of C-4 explosives.
Authorities also found video footage of Sun Mingchen undergoing weapon training, including grenade throwing. Digital forensic analysis indicated that the location was the 911 Special Forces Command Headquarters of the Royal Cambodian Army, also known as the Bodyguard Headquarters (BHQ).
Chon Buri Provincial Police Commander Pongphan Wongmanithet stated that Sun Mingchen claimed he suffered from depression and intended to carry out a suicide bombing using the weapons.
The charges currently brought against Sun Mingchen include illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and military weapons, as well as carrying firearms in public places without permission or reasonable necessity.
The weapons and items confiscated by the police include a Glock 26 pistol, 2 Glock 26 magazines, 10 rounds of 9mm bullets, 28 rounds of 5.56mm bullets, a concealed carry holster, 2 M16 rifles, 763 rounds of 5.56mm bullets, 9 M16 magazines, a box of 2.5kg C4 explosive, 2 sticks of 1.2kg C4 explosives, 4 Russian-made POMZ-2 anti-personnel landmines, 4 BA/WA anti-personnel grenades, 1 Korean K75 anti-personnel grenade, 1 Burmese M6/01 anti-personnel grenade, 7 electric detonators, 3 POMZ-2 mine fuse assemblies, 2 POMZ-2 mine safety pins, 2 remote launchers/receivers, 3 bulletproof vests, 2 gas masks, 6 gas mask filter canisters, and 4 20-liter containers of gasoline.
Pongphan stated that the confiscated explosives are undergoing further investigation. Authorities emphasized the need to trace their source and assess whether they were intended for attack purposes. Several agencies are currently involved in the investigation.
Background checks revealed that Sun Mingchen rented a house in Pattaya for 38,000 Thai baht per month and had been living there for about two years. He first entered Thailand on a tourist visa in 2020 and has frequently visited the country. His most recent entry was on January 27 this year, holding a valid five-year elite visa.
According to The Pattaya News, the Immigration Bureau has revoked Sun Mingchen’s long-term elite visa and blacklisted him, awaiting deportation after legal proceedings. Sun reportedly told investigators that he purchased the weapons through a private LINE group. He denied being a terrorist or having any connection to terrorist organizations.
Police continue to conduct a joint investigation involving multiple departments, including national security agencies. Senior officers stressed the thorough investigation of the weapons’ sources and any broader threats. Sun Mingchen’s mental health condition will also be evaluated.