The five men – identified as Pana Chaikhong, 38, Boontham Chaichana, 52, Khomsan KIjthaworn-archeep, 30, Uthai Chaichana, 48, and Meechai Klanprasom were arrested at half past midnight at a petrol station in Tambon Sa Kwan, Muang Sa Kaew. Officers seized three grenade-launchers and three 82mm grenades.

The suspects, who are facing charges of possessing war weapons and carrying them on a public road, told police that they smuggled the weapons from Cambodia via a border entry point at Ban Pai Khieo in Sa Kaew’s Tambon Thab Prik.