Aussie tourist arrested in Thailand over discovery in check-in baggage
An Australian man travelling with his family in Southeast Asia was allegedly caught with a gun inside his luggage during a routine baggage check at the airport.
The 41-year-old Sydneysider, identified by authorities as Mark Bassal, was on holiday in Thailand with his wife and three children when he allegedly tried boarding a plane last Wednesday with a handgun and 96 rounds of ammunition, local police said, the Thai Examiner reported.
When trying to board the plane from Ko Samui Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bankok, an X-ray of the family's luggage allegedly revealed the illegal possessions, and police officers were called.
The gun was reportedly disassembled, and the ammunition was spread between seven bags.
Mr Bassal claimed to officers that he bought the firearm from a shop in Ko Samui for personal use, believing it to be legal. According to the Bangkok Post, he purchased it for self defence while travelling.
The father also told authorities the family was flying to Singapore from Bangkok, and then returning to Sydney, however no flights were found to be booked after Bangkok, local media reports.
Sydney man to front court in Thailand
After being taken into custody and transferred to a police station on the island, Mr Bassal was reportedly given bail, and is to attend court at a later date after being charged with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to local media, police believe the Sydney man does not have a criminal background and didn't buy the gun to commit an offence in Thailand. Both the gun and ammunition has since been seized.
X-ray reveals wild find inside traveller's suitcase: 'Shocked'
Alarming find on X-ray after patient complains of stomach ache
Yahoo News Australia has reached out for comment from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
