Patong vendors’ leader arrested

PHUKET TOWN: The President of the Patong Vendors’ Association was arrested on Tuesday night by Phuket Town Police for carrying an unlicensed firearm into a popular downtown restaurant. Somwang “Lae” Wonghan, 39, was taken into custody by police at about 11:20 pm as he sat in the new Chilli Phuket pub on Dilok Uthit Rd 1. Fellow diners contacted police after they noticed he was wearing a pistol in a holster at his waist. Pol Lt Sorapong Chukaew led two other officers in making the arrest. The Government has given owners of illegal firearms until December 15 to turn in the weapons. But rather than take advantage of the amnesty, K. Lae apparently decided to wear his to dinner. If convicted, he could face a 10,000 baht fine and as much as five years in prison. He was denied police bail and is being held in custody pending a court appearance.