An 82 year old Swiss man was arrested at Phuket International Airport after security found a handgun tucked away in his luggage.
The Swiss national, Kurt Fritz Loliger, a seemingly unassuming pensioner, was stopped at Gate 81 of the International Passenger Terminal last night, October 7.
The drama unfolded around 8.30pm when Ainah Pango, an X-ray image officer, spotted something suspicious during a routine scan. A closer inspection revealed it was a handgun—a short-barrel ASTRA cal 6.35 a25 model. Baggage check officer Phakhanat Dumlak immediately called in the police, who confirmed the disturbing find.
Loliger was swiftly detained and handed over to the Sakhu Police for further investigation. It remains unclear how the elderly Swiss national came into possession of the firearm or what his intentions were.
With airport security being a top priority, this incident has raised serious concerns. Phuket International Airport has strict policies regarding the possession of firearms, and Loliger could face severe legal consequences, reported Phuket News.
“We take these matters very seriously. No one is above the law, no matter their age or nationality.”
In related news, a Swiss man charged with kicking a woman doctor on the steps leading down to a beach outside his villa in February was acquitted by Phuket Kwaeng Court on September 3. The court extended the benefit of the doubt to the 45 year old Swiss expat Urs Fehr, also known as David. Details of the court’s ruling remain undisclosed.
David faced accusations of kicking 26 year old Dr Thandao Chandam in the back while she and a friend watched the full moon on steps at Yamu beach, adjacent to his rented villa in Thalang district on February 24.
In other news, a 37 year old British man was apprehended at Phuket Airport upon his arrival in Thailand, due to a long-standing arrest warrant. The Brit, whose identity remains undisclosed, has been on the Thai police’s radar since 2017, and his actions are now facing intense scrutiny.
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