Swiss pensioner, 82, arrested with gun at Thai airport
Published date: Thu, 10 Oct 2024 15:44:48 +0700
A Swiss pensioner was arrested with a gun at a Thai airport.
Kurt Fritz Loliger, 82, from Pratteln, allegedly stashed away an Astra-Cal 6.35 a25 handgun inside his luggage as he prepared to board a flight at the Phuket International Airport on October 7.
However, X-ray screener Aiyanah Pa-ngo flagged his belongings after a routine scan revealed the firearm inside.
Baggage officer Phakhanat Dumlak sent the baggage to Gate 81, where it was determined to belong to the Swiss tourist.
During questioning, the pensioner claimed he though bringing an unloaded firearm on a flight was not allowed.
Police Captain Kornphumpot Phongphaiboon of the Sakhu Police Station said cops arrested Kurt at 8:30 pm.
He said: 'Police arrested Mr. Kurt Fritz Loliger and seized his firearm. He will be charged him with illegal possession of a firearm.'
The charge carries a penalty of jail between one and ten years, or a fine ranging from 2,000 to 20,000 THB (45.68 to 4,568 GBP).
