BANGKOK, THAILAND – The government announced a nationwide tightening of rules on private gun ownership and carrying, relying on stricter controls, expanded checks and tough penalties for violations to curb firearm violence.
Government order and political context
Deputy government spokesperson Aiyarin Phanrit said on 19 February that authorities launched a comprehensive campaign against the misuse of firearms across the country. She cited urgent instructions from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who had ordered thorough reviews and strict enforcement of all existing gun control measures.
Role of Interior Ministry and local administrations
The Department of Provincial Administration instructed local administrations to significantly tighten rules on gun ownership and control in all regions. According to the government, these steps were intended to improve public safety and better protect the lives and property of citizens.
Tougher scrutiny for new gun licenses
A central element of the new guidelines was much stricter vetting for applications for firearm ownership cards under form P.3. Local civil registration offices were required to conduct detailed background checks, closely examining applicants’ behaviour, environment and any possible links to illegal activities.
Legal basis and monitoring of existing owners
The expanded checks were to be carried out explicitly under Section 13 of the Firearms Act of 1947, the spokesperson stressed. For holders of existing firearm licenses under form P.4, local officials and community leaders were instructed to continuously monitor behaviour to ensure that the conditions for ownership continued to be met.
Action against threats to public order
If it became apparent that a license holder endangered public peace or safety, authorities were urged to take decisive administrative and criminal action. This was meant to prevent registered guns from being used in situations that threatened the general public or individuals.
Extension of public carry ban
At the same time, the Interior Ministry extended the temporary suspension of licenses to carry firearms in public under form P.12. The ban had been in force since 20 December 2023 and barred authorities from issuing new permits to the general population to carry guns in public spaces, in order to reduce crime and public acts of violence.
Clear limits for gun owners
Aiyarin Phanrit emphatically reminded the public that carrying a firearm in places such as towns, villages or public roads without a valid and urgent reason remained a serious criminal offence.
“Carrying a gun in public places such as cities, villages or public roads without a valid and urgent reason remains a serious criminal offence.”
said Aiyarin Phanrit, deputy government spokesperson.
A license under form P.4 only entitled the holder to keep the weapon for self-defence at their residence, but not to carry it in public spaces.
Heavy penalties for violations
People found carrying a firearm in public despite the bans faced severe penalties. Under Section 371 of the Criminal Code and Section 8 Bis of the Firearms Act, violations were punishable by prison terms of up to five years, fines of up to 10,000 baht, or both.
Debate over effectiveness
The measures combined stricter background checks, an extended ban on carrying guns in public and tough sanctions as part of what the government described as a nationwide offensive on firearms. Public discussion centred on whether these steps would noticeably reduce crime or whether even more far-reaching reforms would be necessary.