By DPA,
Bangkok : An alleged member of Thailand’s opposition movement was arrested Thursday after police reportedly found 6,000 small bombs and eight guns in his house in Chiang Mai ahead of a planned visit by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to the city.
Police raided the house where, besides mini-bombs, they discovered four revolvers, two automatic pistols and two rifles, the Nation newspaper said.
Narong Boonjongcharoen, 45, thought to be a “guard” in the opposition movement, was charged with possessing illegal and unlicensed firearms, the report added.
The opposition United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, has promised the prime minister an unfriendly reception if he travels to meet local businessmen Sunday.
Abhisit has said he would decide Friday whether to risk a potentially violent trip after death threats were allegedly made by activists on a Chiang Mai community radio station.
Several of his advisors have suggested that the situation is too volatile for him to make the trip.
The opposition protestors are loyal to fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was sentenced to two years in jail for abuse of power while in office.
Out of deference to King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 81, whose birthday is celebrated Dec 5, the opposition earlier this week deferred plans to hold a major rally in Bangkok starting Saturday to try to bring down the government.