Thailand suspends firearm purchase license issuance after school shooting

Thailand's Prime Minister has ordered an immediate and temporary suspension of firearm purchase licenses as the nation grapples with the aftermath of a deadly school shooting.

The directive, issued by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also holds the Interior portfolio, aims to prevent firearms from falling into the possession of individuals who should not own them. The suspension is in effect until further notice from the Cabinet. This measure follows a tragic incident last Friday where a 14-year-old allegedly killed nine people, including his grandparents, teachers, and a classmate, before taking his own life.

Beyond the license suspension, the government is accelerating reforms to the country's gun control law, which dates back to 1947 and is considered lax. Proposed stricter regulations include mandatory license renewals every three years and enhanced controls on ammunition sales. Thailand has a significant number of firearms, with an estimated 15.14 per 100 civilians, according to Small Arms Survey, alongside a substantial black market.

This shooting, the deadliest in nearly five years and the second at a school this year, has once again brought the issue of gun ownership to the forefront. The incident occurred just a day after a former member of parliament allegedly opened fire at a government building in the same province, injuring one person and killing a high-ranking official. The alleged shooter has confessed and is in detention.