Sakhu Police confirmed the arrest took place at about 4:30pm after officers at the domestic terminal’s baggage x-ray room alerted police to suspicious items inside a black suitcase belonging to the 26-year-old traveller, who had arrived on a Bangkok Airways flight from Koh Samui.
Pol Lt Col Wisanu Chalok, Investigation Officer at Sakhu Police Station, notified his superintendent, Pol Col Salan Santisasanakul, before attending the scene. Officers inspected the bag and found a single magazine loaded with 29 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition.
The tourist was informed of his rights and taken into custody on suspicion of illegal possession of ammunition for which the registrar cannot issue a licence. Officers seized the magazine and rounds as evidence.
He was later handed over to investigators at Sakhu Police Station for further legal proceedings, Sakhu Police confirmed through the Phuket Provincial Police Operations Centre.
No threats or dangerous behaviour were reported at the airport, and the incident is being handled as a criminal possession case.