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Thai Government Moves to Tighten Gun Control Following Deadly School Shooting
BANGKOK – In response to a tragic school shooting that left nine people dead, including the teenage gunman, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced on Tuesday a temporary halt on the issuance of new firearm permits and a comprehensive review of existing licenses.
The Prime Minister has instructed a deputy prime minister responsible for legal affairs to fast-track legislation aimed at strengthening gun control laws, introducing more stringent regulations and harsher penalties for violations.
Additionally, police have been directed to cease renewing permits that allow individuals to purchase firearms. Under current law, registered firearms must remain at home and are not permitted to be carried in public, a rule Anutin reaffirmed.
To address the issue of illegal firearms, authorities are conducting studies to develop legislation that would mandate the surrender of unlicensed guns to the state within a designated timeframe.
The recent shooting, which occurred at a school near Bangkok, marked Thailand’s deadliest mass killing in nearly four years. The 14-year-old attacker first fatally shot his grandparents before opening fire at the school, resulting in six deaths and his own suicide.
Thailand is estimated to have approximately 10.3 million firearms in civilian hands, translating to about 15 guns per 100 residents-by far the highest rate in Southeast Asia, according to a 2017 Small Arms Survey.
In light of these events, the education minister has proposed new safety protocols for schools, including comprehensive screening of all individuals entering educational facilities to detect illegal items and weapons. These measures await cabinet approval as the government seeks to prevent future tragedies.