PATTAYA, Thailand – An 80-year-old former Tourist Police officer was arrested after allegedly entering the home of a close female friend in Nong Prue while heavily drunk and carrying a loaded handgun, police said. The man, identified as former Police Senior Sergeant Major Somchai, was carrying a firearm with 11 rounds of ammunition, with officers saying the weapon had been chambered and was ready for use.

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Police were called to Soi Khao Talo 10 in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, on 24 September after reports that an intoxicated man with a gun had entered a resident’s home. Pol Col Nathaphon Phongsuksakun, superintendent of Nong Prue Police Station, ordered patrol officers to attend the scene, and residents in the surrounding area were reportedly alarmed when officers found Somchai in a severely intoxicated state and speaking incoherently, with the firearm at his side.

Police moved in and subdued him, seizing the weapon without anyone being injured. A subsequent search found an official police identification card and a permit allowing the holder to carry a firearm while conducting official police duties and arrest investigations, both in and out of uniform, though the permit had been issued by the Tourist Police Bureau and had expired in April 2009.

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Police said Somchai had earlier been drinking with friends in Soi Khao Talo before going to the home of a close female friend, and neighbours became concerned that the situation could turn violent and contacted police. During the arrest, Somchai reportedly demanded the return of his weapon, shouting for his gun to be given back. Checks confirmed that he had genuinely served with the Tourist Police, and he has been charged with carrying a firearm in public without reasonable cause.

-Thailand News (TN)