Nation Thailand
Thailand moves to overhaul gun ownership system
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Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s government is moving towards a broader overhaul of Thailand’s firearms system, extending beyond tighter enforcement to proposals covering gun ownership, licensing, possession, sales and illegal weapons.
Key facts
- Section 57 allows authorities to call in firearms in emergencies or when necessary to maintain public order.
- The renewed push follows a series of firearm incidents, including the August 7 shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School, where a 14-year-old boy used his grandfather’s gun, and the August 10 shooting at the Nonthaburi Provincial
- In 2026, after Anutin became prime minister while retaining the interior portfolio, the issue moved further into formal consideration.
- During discussions in May 2026, the committee did not reject stronger gun controls in principle but questioned whether the government could impose such measures without exceeding powers granted by law.
Summary
The renewed push follows a series of firearm incidents, including the August 7 shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School, where a 14-year-old boy used his grandfather’s gun, and the August 10 shooting at the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation.
In the latter case, former MP Chalong Riewraeng was accused of shooting dead Nonthaburi PAO president Pol Col Thongchai Yenprasert.