- Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has suspended the issuance of permits to buy firearms following a tragic school shooting last week where a 14-year-old killed eight people, including his grandparents.
- Anutin has ordered a review of existing firearm licences and directed the expedited creation of a new gun control law that will include stronger controls and harsher penalties.
- Police have been instructed to stop renewing permits for firearm purchases, and registered firearms must now be kept at home, according to Anutin.
- Studies are underway to create legislation for the return of illegal firearms, as part of the government's response to the shooting.
- The education minister has proposed new safety measures for schools, including screening all entrants for weapons.
- Last week, a teenage student committed a mass shooting at a school outside Bangkok, fatally shooting his grandparents before targeting teachers and students.
- Eight victims were killed in the incident, including both grandparents, five school staff members, and a 12-year-old girl.
- Thailand has one of the highest rates of civilian gun ownership in the region, with approximately 10.3 million firearms in civilian possession.
Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has taken decisive action following a devastating school shooting that claimed eight lives, including the shooter. The incident, which occurred at Debsirin Nonthaburi School, involved a 14-year-old who fatally shot his grandparents before attacking teachers and students.12
In response, Anutin has suspended the issuance of new gun permits and ordered a review of existing licenses. He directed a deputy prime minister to expedite a new gun control law that will impose stronger controls and harsher penalties for violations. Police have been instructed to stop renewing permits for firearm purchases, and existing gun owners are prohibited from carrying their weapons in public.56
The shooting has reignited concerns over Thailand's high rate of civilian gun ownership, estimated at 10.3 million firearms, equating to around 15 guns per 100 residents, the highest in Southeast Asia. Anutin emphasized the need for stricter regulations, stating that registered firearms must be kept at home or at shooting ranges.
Additionally, the education minister has proposed new safety measures for schools, including screening all individuals entering educational premises for illegal objects and weapons. The government is also considering legislation to encourage the return of an estimated four million unlicensed firearms to the state.8
This tragic event has highlighted the urgent need for reform in Thailand's gun laws and school safety protocols.
“The 14-year-old gunman killed his grandparents, five staff members, and a 12-year-old girl before taking his own life. Thailand has an estimated 10.3 million civilian firearms, one of the highest rates in the region, and the government is considering measures to recover four million unlicensed guns.”
