-fhd.jpg)
On the 11th, the Thai government issued an announcement declaring the suspension of issuing gun purchase permits and ordering a nationwide review of permits for gun transactions that have not yet been completed.
The announcement proposed several gun control measures, including instructions for relevant departments to strengthen inspections of gun dealers and shooting range ammunition, and plans to require gun ownership and usage permits to be renewed every three years.
The announcement stated that the Thai Ministry of Interior will submit a draft amendment to the "Firearms Act" within 60 days.
During this period, authorities will suspend the renewal of three types of gun permits, including P.3, P.4, and P.12 (permit to carry a firearm in public), until the cabinet makes a separate decision. Among them, P.12 permits have long since stopped being issued, while for P.3 and P.4 permits, which relate to the purchase and possession of firearms, renewals will also not be processed during this period.
On the 11th, Thai Prime Minister Anutin ordered, at a cabinet meeting, that gun controls be strengthened nationwide and that illegal gun possession and black market firearms be strictly combated.
100% Ban on Carrying Guns Outside
In a meeting with the media, he emphasized that citizens who legally own firearms may only store guns at home and are strictly prohibited from carrying them outside; violators will be held legally responsible.
He reminded the public not to trust the claim of "carrying guns for self-defense," noting that if firearms are misused, they may become tools that harm oneself and others.
In response to a question about "whether guns can be used for home self-defense," Anutin pointed out clearly that even if a burglar is shot and killed inside the home, there is still a risk of breaking the law, and the law does not provide protection for such actions.
He stressed that the premise of legal gun ownership is strict compliance with legal requirements, and it is absolutely forbidden to take firearms outside the home.
Regarding those in possession of illegal firearms, Anutin pointed out that the government is studying relevant legislation and proposing to offer a limited time amnesty channel, especially targeting firearms that cannot have ownership transferred due to inheritance or other reasons. If holders proactively hand them over within the specified period, they may be exempt from punishment.
Anutin jokes about being wary of himself
When asked about his own gun ownership status, Anutin stated that he does not currently own any firearms, but once had one which has since been lost and reported.
When asked about his wife registering firearms in her asset disclosure, Anutin responded: “Really? Then I guess I have to watch out for myself.”
He also confirmed that he had called to make inquiries and file a complaint about the suspect Chalong in the shooting case against Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization chairman Thongchai, who was seen smoking and not handcuffed in the interrogation room.
He stated that the suspect had just committed a serious crime, but behaved too relaxed, so he commented on the police station's practice.
Shooting incidents have been frequent in Thailand recently. On the 10th, a shooting took place in the office building of Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization, resulting in the organization's chairman being fatally shot in the head and dying despite emergency treatment. On the 7th, a shooting occurred at a school in Nonthaburi Province, leaving nine dead.
The Bangkok Post, citing 2017 estimate data from the Small Arms Survey, reported that there are approximately 10.3 million firearms held by Thai civilians, which equates to about 15 guns per 100 residents.