BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s government is slamming the brakes on gun crime with a radical real-time tracking system for every firearm from import to sale to ownership.
The sweeping reform follows a string of deadly shootings and doubts over current controls. Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt said the core of the plan is an online system that monitors all phases – import, sale, possession, licensing, and transfer.
Thirteen areas targeted for change
The Interior Ministry met with multiple agencies and agreed the Weapons Act needed an overhaul. Draft proposals were published on the public legal consultation platform from August 12 to September 10, 2026.
But the comment period hasn’t officially opened yet – parts of the draft need reworking. The 13 reform areas cover ordinary citizens, state employees, gun dealers, and shooting sports participants.
Amnesty for illegal guns
A limited-time amnesty will encourage people to hand over illegal weapons and ammunition without fear of prosecution. Owners of legally registered guns without the required possession permit can also apply for a licence under easier conditions.
The amnesty won’t apply to criminals or suspects under investigation, on trial, or with pending cases. After the deadline, penalties for violations could double.
Licences limited to three years
Planned firearm licences will be valid for a maximum of three years. Renewal must be prompt, and fees could rise.
Applicants face tougher checks – including a medical certificate from a state health facility, a psychiatric evaluation if the local registrar has concerns, and proof of safe firearm handling. A training certificate and a test on gun law may also be required.
Owners liable for others using their guns
Licence holders could be held responsible if they negligently allow others to possess or use their weapons. This aims to stop guns being taken and used in serious crimes – owners must store firearms more carefully.
A legal cap on the number of guns a person can own is also under discussion. The question arose whether privileged groups and politicians can own more weapons than ordinary citizens.
Corruption fears and public carry ban backlash
The reform may give authorities more power and discretion – but that very discretion is repeatedly flagged as a potential problem. The current proposals lack safeguards that would convince the public that stricter controls improve safety now and in the future.
A total ban on carrying firearms in public has already met resistance. Anutin’s comment that shooting an intruder in your own home would be illegal sparked backlash – critics say it weakens law-abiding citizens’ right to protect themselves and their property.
There are worries that stricter rules could create new opportunities for corrupt officials to demand bribes or illegal payments over unregistered weapons. Without uniform, verifiable standards, decisions may be hard to review later. The last major change to Thailand’s 1947 Weapons Act was in 2000 – that’s 26 years ago. The planned 2026 reform would be the 10th major overhaul and still must pass parliament.