It's been a long time between posts. In that time have been back to Japan but was not on an Airsoft mission. Also went to Bali and then Thailand, and then my mind springs into action. Hang on...isn't there Airsoft in Thailand????
Well yes there is but somewhat different compared to Japan.
Japan policing is more accepting of Airsoft, whereas Thailand has the tourist police, which are very concerned with Tourist misuse of Airsoft. Also numerous weapon related tourist incidents don't help this situation as it provides justification to respond in kind.
The Thai laws are not in line with police actions meaning that it is known in Thailand that Airsoft shops can be raided without warning/warrant by police and stock gets 'confiscated' meaning the risk of running retail airsoft is too high in certain cases, and goes along way to explaining why stores that are still open are tucked away just enough to be safe from unwanted attention.
This definitely was the case in Pattaya, where I went on a long walk for a store that all had shut down some time ago.
On the way to the Airport, we went through Bangkok which is definitely has Airsoft options, and knowing of the First Airsoft from my Japan visits, seemed to be logical first stop to check out the Thai First Airsoft shop.
The solution? Put your shop inside a military base where police have no jurisdiction!
To gain entrance you need to approach the Military Police guards and advise you are here to visit the Airsoft shop and they will let you in. Nice guys considering they can kick your ass hands down :)
Well yes there is but somewhat different compared to Japan.
Japan policing is more accepting of Airsoft, whereas Thailand has the tourist police, which are very concerned with Tourist misuse of Airsoft. Also numerous weapon related tourist incidents don't help this situation as it provides justification to respond in kind.
The Thai laws are not in line with police actions meaning that it is known in Thailand that Airsoft shops can be raided without warning/warrant by police and stock gets 'confiscated' meaning the risk of running retail airsoft is too high in certain cases, and goes along way to explaining why stores that are still open are tucked away just enough to be safe from unwanted attention.
This definitely was the case in Pattaya, where I went on a long walk for a store that all had shut down some time ago.
On the way to the Airport, we went through Bangkok which is definitely has Airsoft options, and knowing of the First Airsoft from my Japan visits, seemed to be logical first stop to check out the Thai First Airsoft shop.
We showed the map to our taxi driver, and being just off the main arterial road to the airport, most taxi drivers would be able to identify the location.
There is a service station a small ways up where your taxi driver can wait for you, our driver did the old break down trick so he waited just up from the entrance
The solution? Put your shop inside a military base where police have no jurisdiction!
To gain entrance you need to approach the Military Police guards and advise you are here to visit the Airsoft shop and they will let you in. Nice guys considering they can kick your ass hands down :)
1st Palace Guard Division, First Airsoft Division!
Once inside make right for the store, once again note the discreet store front, it seems the trend for Thailand Airsoft retail.
Once inside its business as usual and diverse array of brands and models for sale.
No airsoft shop is complete without an Umarex HK UMP45, will be looking to review one next trip.
Next to the store, they have a giant Airsoft field which was not in action when we were there, but impressive real estate for a professional Airsoft match
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