Australian tourist arrested in Thailand for being found in checked baggage

An Australian man traveling with his family in Southeast Asia was reportedly caught with a gun in 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 to get on a plane last Wednesday with a handgun and 96 rounds, local police said, the Thai Examiner reported.

While trying to board the plane from Ko Samui airport to Suvarnabhumi airport in Bankok, an x-ray of the family’s luggage allegedly revealed illegal possessionsand police were called.

Sydneysider, Mark Bassal, 41, was arrested at Ko Samui airport in Thailand as he attempted to board a flight with a handgun and 96 rounds of rounds. Source: Bangkok Post

The weapon would have been dismantled and the ammunition divided into seven bags.

Mr Bassal told officers he bought the gun from a shop in Ko Samui for personal use, believing it to be legal. According to the Bangkok Post, he bought it to defend himself while traveling.

The father also told authorities the family were traveling to Singapore from Bangkok and then returning to Sydney, but no flights were booked after Bangkok, according to local media.

Photos allegedly showing the contents of the family's suitcase.  Source: Thai Examiner

Photos allegedly showing the contents of the family’s suitcase. Source: Thai Examiner

Sydney man in court in Thailand

After being taken into custody and transferred to a police station on the island, Mr Bassal is said to have been released on bail and is due to appear in court later on being charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. .

According to local media, police believe the Sydney man has no criminal history and did not purchase the gun to commit an offense in Thailand. The gun and ammunition have since been seized.

Yahoo News Australia has sought comment from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

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