Army commander in the south: Unauthorized firearms store in military base not linked to rebellion forces
Southern Army Base Unveils Illegally Operating Gun Shop: No Link to Insurgents
In an unexpected revelation, the commander of the Fourth Army Area, Lt Gen Phaisarn Noosang, divulged the existence of an illicit firearms shop within the Nakhon Si Thammarat army base. Contrary to public speculation, Phaisarn announced that the operation was not connected to weapons used by insurgents in southern Thailand's restive regions [1][2].
During a press conference, Phaisarn discussed the results of an internal investigation into the gun sales carried out within the army welfare shop at Fort Vajiravudh. The conference followed a raid on Tuesday, during which police, along with Fourth Army Area officers, seized a trove of illegally sold firearms [1].
Arrest and Raid Details
Officers arrested a 41-year-old suspect, Wisut Hemman, during the raid. Hemman allegedly sold 35 firearms, 16,000 rounds of ammunition, and over 100 gun parts via online orders [1].
Army's Internal Investigation
Phaisarn admitted that he postponed commenting on the case until his subordinates could fully examine the shop. He verified that the confiscated firearms were civilian models, not military-issued weapons. Hemman, a military personnel member stationed at the fort, leased space within the welfare shop compound to establish the Gun Smart & Tactical Shop [1].
Legally Sourced, Illegally Resold
Phaisarn explained that the weapons sold were all new and legitimately purchased from licensed gun shops in Bangkok, then resold to local clients using military credentials to expedite the process [1].
The Fourth Army Area confirmed it would continue investigating the incident and would impose disciplinary action on any personnel found to be involved in the illegal operation [1]. Earlier, Phaisarn commissioned checks of all welfare shops on army bases in the southern provinces to deter similar instances of illegal commercial activity, such as the one uncovered at Fort Vajiravudh [1].
- TAGS
- Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Undercover gun shop
- Army camp
- firearm
- illegal trade
- ThailandNews
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Enrichment Data:
Recent reports confirm the exposure of an illegal gun shop operating within an army base in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The Southern army chief has stated that the operation was not linked to insurgent groups, but that investigations into involved personnel continue [1][2].
Personnel Involved and Investigative Actions
- Reporting Status: The investigation focuses on military personnel suspected of involvement in the illegal gun shop.
- Current Measures: Authorities have not publicly identified specific individuals by name at this stage. The Southern army chief confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing, and disciplinary or criminal actions will be determined based on the findings [1][2].
- Official Statements: There is no indication that anyone has been arrested or formally charged at this point. The military is cooperating with internal investigations and possibly law enforcement to ensure due process.
- The discovery of an illegal gun shop within the Nakhon Si Thammarat army base has sparked a political discussion about the state of civic responsibility within the military, raising questions about the role of business practices and adherence to laws in army camps.
- The situation has shed light on the complex interplay between economy, politics, and law enforcement, as investigators delve into the illegal firearm trade within military circles, and questions arise regarding the accountability of military personnel implicated in this crime-and-justice matter.
- As the general-news story unfolds, the broader implications extend to issues of public trust and transparency, considering the impact of this case on the country's southern insurgency, the army's image, and Thailand's overall relations with the international community.
