Drug convict caught with M16 and 800+ bullets, claims self-defense.

Khaosod•Society•1d ago

Reader Briefing

A 39-year-old man, recently released from prison for drug offenses, was apprehended in Ayutthaya with an M16 rifle and over 800 rounds of ammunition, which he claims were for self-defense.

•Police in Ayutthaya arrested a 39-year-old man who had recently been released from prison for drug offenses.
•The arrest uncovered an M16 rifle and 807 rounds of ammunition hidden in the suspect's residence.
•The suspect claimed he purchased the weapons for self-defense due to safety concerns.
•Both the man and his girlfriend were charged with drug-related offenses, with the man facing additional charges for illegal possession of firearms.

Overview

•Police in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province launched an operation targeting drug networks in the Ban Phraek district.
•A 39-year-old man, identified as Mr. Jare or "Jack" Thongprom, was arrested during a search of a residence.
•A M16A1 assault rifle and 807 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition were discovered hidden within the home.
•Mr. Jare stated that the firearms were purchased via Facebook for over 40,000 Baht, citing concerns for his safety and a need for self-defense.
•Mr. Jare had recently been released from prison in early 2025 for a drug offense but was allegedly involved in drug activities again.
•Mr. Jare was charged with "possession of an assault rifle and ammunition without permission" and "consumption of Type 1 narcotic drug".
•Mr. Jare's girlfriend, Ms. Nittaya Phiewam, was charged with "consumption of Type 1 narcotic drug (ya ba) in violation of the law".
•Authorities are investigating the source of the firearms and other individuals involved.

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Key Quotes

นายจเร (Mr. Jare)

"Bought for self-defense due to safety concerns."

ซื้อไว้เพื่อป้องกันตัว เนื่องจากกังวลเรื่องความปลอดภัย

Key Entities

Person

Young Man(หนุ่ม)

The primary suspect arrested for possessing firearms and drug offenses.

Drug Runner(นักบินยา)

A description used for the suspect who delivers drugs to customers.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Wattana Yeejeen(พล.ต.ท.วัฒนา ยี่จีน)

Commander of Provincial Police Region 1, who oversaw the operation.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Surawut Saengrungreung(พล.ต.ต.สุรวุฒิ แสงรุ่งเรือง)

Commander of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Police.

Pol. Col. Phumithat Khochitanichphong(พ.ต.อ.ภูมิธัช โฆชิตวนิชพงศ์)

Deputy Commander of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Police.

Pol. Col. Chana Theerassayanon(พ.ต.อ.ชนะ ธีรศรัณยานนท์)

Superintendent of Ban Phraek Police Station.

Pol. Lt. Col. Chamrat Mahasup(พ.ต.ท.จำรัส มหาสุภาพ)

Deputy Superintendent (Investigation) of Ban Phraek Police Station.

Mr. Jare or "Jack" Thongprom(นายจเร หรือ “แจ๊ค” ทองพรม)

The 39-year-old suspect arrested for drug offenses and firearm possession.

Ms. Nittaya Phiewam(น.ส.นิตยา ผิวอ่ำ)

The girlfriend of the main suspect, arrested for drug consumption.

Law

M16 Rifle(M16)ℹ️

The specific type of assault rifle found in the suspect's possession.

M16A1ℹ️

The specific model of assault rifle seized during the search.

Possession of an Assault Rifle and Ammunition without Permission(ครอบครองอาวุธปืนสงครามและเครื่องกระสุนปืนโดยไม่ได้รับอนุญาต)

The legal charge filed against Mr. Jare for his possession of the M16 and ammunition.

Consumption of Type 1 Narcotic Drug(เสพยาเสพติดให้โทษประเภท 1)

The legal charge filed against both Mr. Jare and Ms. Nittaya for drug use.

Ya Ba(ยาบ้า)ℹ️

The specific type of Type 1 narcotic drug (methamphetamine pills) Ms. Nittaya was accused of consuming.

Stat

Over 800 Rounds of Ammunition(กระสุนกว่า 800 นัด)

Quantity of ammunition found with the M16 rifle.

5.56mm(5.56 มม.)

The caliber of ammunition found with the M16A1 rifle.

Place

Ayutthaya(อยุธยา)ℹ️

The province where the operation and arrests took place.

Ban Phraek(บ้านแพรก)

The district within Ayutthaya Province where the drug network was targeted.

Sam Phanang Subdistrict(ต.สำพะเนียง)

The subdistrict within Ban Phraek where the arrested suspect's house was located.

Timeline

May 29, 2026(29 พฤษภาคม 2026)

The date of the police operation and arrests.

Early 2025(ต้นปี 2025)

The timeframe when the suspect was released from prison for his previous drug offense.

Organization

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Police(ตำรวจภูธรจังหวัดพระนครศรีอยุธยา)

The law enforcement agency that conducted the operation.

Ayutthaya Provincial Court(ศาลจังหวัดพระนครศรีอยุธยา)

The court that issued the search warrant.