Two Chinese men were arrested for illegally owning guns in Thailand.

Lei Chen and Cai Qingqing, both 28, allegedly entered Thailand illegally and owned guns and ammunition without proper authorisation.

Police acting on intelligence reports located and detained the pair at the Baan Khunya Homestay in Chonburi province on February 21.

Inside their room was a 9mm pistol, ammunition magazines, handcuffs, and a bag.

Police Major General Thawatchakiat Jindakuansong, Chonburi Provincial Police commander, said in a press conference: 'The action was taken after the police investigated and learned about a group of Chinese nationals exhibiting suspicious behaviour while in the homestay.

'Following the inspection of their room and the confiscation of illegal items, we checked their passports and discovered that they entered the country without passing through the immigration checkpoint.

'In this case, the culprits brazenly committed the crime without regard for the law, thereby tarnishing the tourism image and economy of Pattaya.'

Lei and Cai were detained and will be charged with unlawfully entering the country and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.