Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) arrested the 33-year-old suspect, identified only as ‘Amir’, at a condominium in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri, on Friday (May 15).
Amir was wanted under a warrant issued by Phuket Provincial Court on Feb 12 on charges of abetting premeditated murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, carrying firearms in public without permission and firing a gun in a public area without justification.
The arrest follows the fatal shooting of a 24-year-old Iraqi man on Sirirat Rd in Patong on Feb 7.
Police previously arrested a Colombian national accused of carrying out the shooting after locating him hiding near Phuket International Airport while allegedly preparing to flee the country. Officers seized two firearms, ammunition, a motorcycle and clothing believed to have been worn during the attack.
Investigators said the killing was systematically planned, with a group of foreign nationals allegedly supplying weapons to the gunman.
Police believe the murder stemmed from a conflict within an international drug trafficking cartel.
Further investigation identified Amir as one of the suspects linked to procuring the firearm used in the attack. Investigators later learned he was staying at a condominium in Pattaya and obtained a search warrant from Pattaya Provincial Court before carrying out the arrest.
Several items believed to be connected to the case were seized during the operation, police said.
Amir denied all charges during questioning and was handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings.
The operation was conducted under the direction of CIB Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Natthasak Chaowanasai and CSD Commander Pol Maj Gen Pattanasak Bubphasuwan, with officers from CSD Division 5 carrying out the arrest.