The incident occurred around midday, when airport staffer Phakhanat Dumluck, an oversized baggage inspector at the domestic terminal, flagged a suspicious item during a routine screening.
The passenger, identified as long-term Phuket expat Peter Davison, had presented a black cloth bag for inspection when officials discovered what appeared to be an explosive device.
Airport authorities immediately contacted the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit. Officers from Sakhu Police Station, led by Pol Lt Kornphumphon Phongsaphaiboon, arrived on the scene to investigate.
A search revealed an 81mm grenade launcher, one 60mm grenade, and two semi-circular bomb components. None of the items were in working condition.
Mr Davison was taken into custody and transferred to Sakhu Police Station for further legal proceedings. He is facing charges of “possession of ammunition that the registrar cannot issue a license for,” police confirmed.
Authorities have not commented on the motive or circumstances behind the possession of the war-era equipment.