Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has vowed to introduce stricter gun laws after a 14-year-old opened fire at his school and home, killing eight people before taking his own life. The incident occurred at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Nonthaburi, a suburb west of Bangkok.
During his time as interior minister, Charnvirakul had previously introduced gun control measures, including a temporary ban on new gun licenses and import restrictions. He expressed deep sorrow following the incident, stating that the tragedy "shouldn't have happened" and questioning how such an event could occur in Thailand.
The firearm used in the attack was legally registered and possessed a permit, according to initial police findings. Police Colonel Thadsakorn Konthong stated that the gun and ammunition belonged to the teenage gunman's grandfather. Evidence suggested the firearm had been sought within the grandfather's bedroom.
Thailand has a high rate of civilian gun ownership in Southeast Asia, with approximately 10.3 million firearms in civilian possession. It is estimated that around four million of these are held illegally. The country has existing strict laws against illegal firearm possession, with penalties up to 10 years in jail, but enforcement has been cited as an ongoing issue.