In the wake of several high-profile shootings, Thailand’s Interior Ministry announced on Wednesday a year-long suspension of new gun licenses. This immediate reform follows a national debate on gun control sparked by tragic incidents.
Interior Ministry spokeswoman, Traisuree Taisaranakul, stated on her official Facebook page that the temporary ban on personal gun issuance aims to enhance security and reduce crime rates.
Thailand Ministry halts gun Licenses
In a bid to curb gun violence, Thailand’s Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has signed an order halting the issuance of gun licenses for a year. This order, known as Por 12, aligns with the Firearms, Ammunition, Explosive, Fireworks, and Imitation Firearms Act. It’s now awaiting approval from Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin will come into effect the day after its announcement in the Royal Gazette.
This gun-control measure, however, does not apply to state officials like police officers who are allowed to carry firearms on duty. Last week, the Interior Ministry’s permanent secretary, Suthipong Chulcharoen, instructed provincial governors to stop issuing Por 12 licenses. He also directed firearms registrars to cease issuing new licenses for the import and sale of imitation firearms to existing licensees.
These measures were prompted by a series of fatal shootings in Bangkok, leading to calls for stricter gun control and a review of firearms licenses granted to the public.
The rising gun violence in Thailand
Thailand grapples with significant gun violence, having one of Southeast Asia’s highest gun ownership rates. With a firearm for nearly one in every seven people, the country also sees a high incidence of gun violence. In 2016, it recorded 4.45 gun-related deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. The nation has also experienced several gun massacres due to issues with its gun laws. However, these figures might underestimate the actual situation due to potential underreporting.
Gun licenses
Thailand’s gun laws, governed by the Act B.E. 2490 (1947), restrict gun ownership to Thai citizens, with over six million registered firearms in a population of 66.7 million. Eligible Thai citizens, who must be at least 20 years old, can own guns. However, foreigners residing in Thailand are generally barred from owning firearms. In 2016, Thailand had a rate of 4.45 violent gun-related deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. Please note, that these laws may change, and it’s advisable to consult a legal expert for the most accurate information.
Thailand, with 10 million firearms in circulation as per GunPolicy.org, has one of the region’s highest gun ownership rates – nearly one firearm for every seven Thais.
The penalties for violating gun laws in Thailand
Thailand’s Act B.E. 2490 (1947) regulates firearm possession and use. Violations can lead to serious consequences, including jail time and fines. The severity of the penalty depends on the nature of the violation. For example, illegal possession, carrying, or use of firearms can result in imprisonment. Unlicensed selling or selling to unauthorized persons can lead to both imprisonment and fines. Illegal modification or trafficking of firearms can attract even stricter penalties. Please note, this is a general summary and actual penalties may vary. Always refer to the latest regulations or consult a legal expert for accurate information.
Several high-profile shootings led to the suspension of new gun licenses
On October 3, a tragic incident unfolded at the Siam Paragon shopping mall when a 14-year-old boy embarked on a shooting spree, leading to the death of three individuals and injuries to five others. A year prior, a former policeman, armed with a legally obtained handgun and knife, killed 36 people at a nursery.
A subsequent event on November 11 saw a teacher from the Sacred Heart Convent School in Bangkok’s Klong Toey area lose her life to a stray bullet during a clash between rival student gangs. In a similar vein, a 15-year-old student from Mathayom 5 was hit by a stray bullet in the Suan Luang district during a confrontation between youth gangs.
High-profile incidents like the mall and nursery attacks often make headlines in Thai media. In 2019, the most recent year with available statistics, Thailand recorded about 1,300 gun deaths, significantly higher than the roughly 130 in Vietnam, a country with a population about 40% larger.
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