Thai PM Vows to Restrict Firearms in Public Places

BANGKOK: Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has pledged to introduce stricter gun control laws following a shooting incident by a teenager on the outskirts of Bangkok that killed eight people and injured 22 others.

The 14‑year‑old teenager killed his grandparents at the home they shared before going to Debsirin School in Nonthaburi, where he studied. There, the suspect killed five teachers before taking his own life.

After the incident, Anutin said he plans to introduce laws that limit the carrying of firearms in public places.

Under the new law, only government officials who are on duty will be allowed to carry firearms.

Police Colonel Thadsakorn Konthong said the pistol and ammunition used in the attack belonged to the teenager’s grandfather. Preliminary checks found signs that the firearm was taken from the grandfather’s bedroom.

International and local media reported that the firearm was legally registered and had a permit.

Thailand has among the highest rates of civilian firearm ownership in Southeast Asia, with approximately 10.3 million firearms in civilian possession. Of that number, about four million are believed to be illegally owned.

Thailand has strict gun laws, including prison sentences of up to 10 years for illegal firearm possession. However, enforcement of these laws remains an issue.

AGENSI