Thailand is preparing stricter gun control laws following a series of shootings
The Thai government is preparing to tighten controls on the purchase, possession, and carrying of firearms following two deadly shootings in Nonthaburi Province near Bangkok. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced a suspension of new gun purchase permits, additional checkpoints and inspections, as well as stricter restrictions on carrying firearms, according to Channel NewsAsia.
On August 7, a 14-year-old student, according to the publication, shot and killed his grandparents, five school employees, and another student at Debsirin Nonthaburi School, after which he took his own life. Three days later, according to CNA, a former politician allegedly shot and killed a local official over a suspected financial dispute.
Other government initiatives include a review of existing firearms and licenses, a possible amnesty for firearms, and stricter legislation. The prime minister also proposed establishing legal liability for registered gun owners if their weapons fall into the hands of others and are used in a crime. Under this proposal, owners must securely store their weapons out of the reach of children and immediately report their disappearance.
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According to the Small Arms Survey’s 2017 estimates, there were approximately 10.3 million firearms in Thailand: 6.2 million legal and 4.1 million illegal. Experts interviewed by CNA emphasize that the actual number may be higher, and that key problems include smuggling, illegal manufacturing, insufficient post-licensing oversight, and easy access to illegal firearms.
CNA journalists also found advertisements for the sale of unregistered firearms on Line and X. At the same time, the legal purchase of firearms by Thai citizens aged 20 and older requires background checks, justification of the need for ownership, obtaining a permit, inspection, and separate registration of the firearm. Criminologists believe that temporary restrictions alone are insufficient without systematic oversight of already purchased firearms and their safe storage.
