The Thai government announced plans to strengthen gun control measures and combat illegal firearms in response to two deadly shootings near Bangkok that have intensified calls for stricter enforcement. The incidents have renewed pressure on authorities to address gun violence in a country that has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in Asia, despite relatively restrictive laws.
In the first incident on Friday, a student reportedly opened fire at his high school and home, resulting in at least eight deaths and over 20 injuries before apparently taking his own life, according to police. Just three days later, a former lawmaker was apprehended following a shooting at a government office that left one person dead and another injured. Both incidents occurred in Nonthaburi province, northwest of the capital.
Government spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana stated Wednesday that efforts are underway to enhance gun regulations, target illegal firearms, and educate the public on the responsibilities and limitations associated with gun ownership. The stated objective is to "find ways to remove guns from people’s daily lives as much as possible and make Thai society safer."
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Tuesday mandated an immediate review of gun regulations. This review includes a temporary halt on new firearm permits and an examination of existing licenses, as detailed in a statement from the Government House. He also directed the Interior Ministry to draft amendments to Thailand's gun control legislation within 60 days. Proposed changes are anticipated to improve firearm data collection, tighten controls on the gun trade, and increase penalties for violations.
Current penalties for unlawful possession of firearms in Thailand range from one to ten years in prison and fines up to 20,000 baht ($600). Despite strict licensing laws, critics point to weaknesses in enforcement.
Thailand's civilian gun ownership rate, at approximately 15 guns per 100 people according to 2017 data from Small Arms Survey and GunPolicy.org, is second only to Pakistan in Asia and significantly higher than its Southeast Asian neighbors. Data from 2023 indicates 3.49 firearm deaths per 100,000 people, a rate higher than in many parts of the world and the highest in Southeast Asia after the Philippines. While mass shootings remain uncommon, Thailand has experienced an increase in high-profile gun attacks in recent years.