2 Thai men arrested for smuggling weapons to KNU
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Phyo (NP News) - April 27
Two Thai nationals were apprehended at a checkpoint in Chiang Mai for allegedly smuggling military weapons intended for the Karen National Union (KNU) in Myanmar, according to a report by Thai media outlet Channel 7 on April 22.
It is reported that the arrests occurred on Klong Chonpratan Road in Suthep subdistrict after police stopped a suspicious pickup truck with a Bangkok license plate. Upon inspection, officers discovered a concealed box in the vehicle’s rear containing a cache of war weapons, including ten AR-15 rifles (5.56mm), ten 5.56mm magazines, and 14 grenade launchers (40mm).
The suspects, identified as Mr. Kraiphet, 28, and Mr. Kitipop, 27, both from Mae Hong Son province, admitted to smuggling weapons multiple times. They claimed to have been paid 8,000–9,000 baht per delivery and had completed three such trips before being caught.
According to the report, both men are now in custody at Phupingrachaniwet Police Station as authorities expand the investigation to uncover any accomplices.