Thailand tightens gun laws after deadly shootings

Key facts

• Thailand is enacting new legislation to tighten gun controls following recent deadly shootings.
• The government ordered an urgent review of gun regulations, including a suspension of new permits.
• Amendments to gun control laws are expected within 60 days.
• The country has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in Asia.
• Penalties for unlawful firearm possession include prison terms of one to 10 years and fines up to 20,000 baht.

Thailand's government is moving to tighten gun controls and crack down on illegal firearms in response to two deadly shootings that occurred less than a week apart near Bangkok. The country has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in Asia, despite existing restrictive laws, which critics argue are weakly enforced.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered an urgent review of gun regulations, including a temporary suspension of new firearm permits and a re-evaluation of existing ones. The Interior Ministry has been tasked with proposing amendments to gun control laws within 60 days. These changes are expected to enhance the collection of firearms data, impose stricter controls on the gun trade, and increase penalties for violations.

Government spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana stated that the ultimate goal is to reduce the presence of guns in daily life and enhance societal safety. Penalties for unlawful firearm possession in Thailand can include prison sentences ranging from one to 10 years and fines of up to 20,000 baht ($600).