Eric Peter, 33, appeared in Phuket Provincial Court later that same day on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and discharging a firearm in a public place.
People living near Chalong Circle called police early on Saturday morning after being woken at 5am by the sound of a gunshot.
Half an hour later Pol Lt Wuthiwat Leangboonjinda, duty officer at Chalong Police Station, arrested Mr Peter.
In his possession officers found a revolver and 49 bullets. Mr Peter told police that he was not trying to shoot anyone but that the gun “went off by itself”.
He added that the gun was not his; it belonged to a Thai who had given it to him as security against a loan of B50,000.
“I just brought it with me,” he explained.
After appearing in court, he was released on bail to await his next hearing.