Thai PM vows new gun law after deadly school shooting

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has vowed to introduce a new firearms control law following a deadly shooting rampage that claimed at least eight lives on the outskirts of Bangkok. The proposed legislation aims to restrict the public's ability to carry firearms, with Mr. Anutin stating that "the new law will only allow government officials on duty to carry guns." Specific details of the envisaged legislation remain undisclosed, including whether it will impose stricter gun ownership requirements.

“

The new law will only allow government officials on duty to carry guns.

Thailand possesses the highest rate of gun ownership in the region, with an estimated 10.3 million firearms in civilian possession, according to a 2017 survey. This figure includes both registered and unregistered weapons. Mass shootings have occurred with concerning regularity in Thailand, including incidents at schools, a shopping mall, and a 2022 spree that resulted in 36 deaths, including 22 children.

“

We only look at things like: Do you have money? Do you have a necessary reason to protect your property? Do you want it for self-defence? But in other countries, authorities say those are not good reasons.

Experts point to a lack of stringent regulations as a key issue. Piyaporn Tunneekul, an associate professor at Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University, noted that Thailand's current licensing system lacks mental health screening for gun applicants. "We only look at things like: Do you have money? Do you have a necessary reason to protect your property? Do you want it for self-defence? But in other countries, authorities say those are not good reasons," she explained. Ms. Tunneekul advocated for interventions and processes similar to those in other countries, such as red-flag laws, which allow for the removal of firearms from individuals deemed at risk of harming themselves or others.

“

We need intervention, a process like other countries have. There are red-flag laws abroad.