The Thai government is tightening gun control and cracking down on the use of illegal weapons.
—
Illustration, Photo: Shutterstock
The Thai government announced today that it would tighten gun control and crack down on the use of illegal weapons, after two deadly shootings near Bangkok in less than a week increased pressure on authorities to crack down on gun violence.
Spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana said today that the Government is working to tighten gun regulations and crack down on illegal firearm possession, as well as raise awareness about responsibilities and restrictions.
The ultimate goal is to “find ways to remove weapons as much as possible from people’s daily lives and make Thai society safer,” she said in a statement.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul yesterday ordered an urgent review of gun regulations, including a suspension of the issuance of new firearms purchase permits and a review of existing permits, according to a government statement.
He also ordered the Ministry of Police to propose changes to Thailand’s gun control laws within 60 days.
These changes are expected to improve the collection of data on firearms, tighten control of arms trafficking, and increase penalties for violators.
Penalties for illegal possession of firearms in Thailand include prison sentences of one to 10 years and fines of up to 20.000 baht, or about $600.
Although licensing laws are strict, critics say there are weaknesses in enforcement.
Thailand has one of the highest rates of firearm ownership in Asia, second only to Pakistan.
The government responded to two murders, one in which a high school student killed at least eight people in a mass shooting at his school, and the other in which a former lawmaker killed one man in a local government office.
Download the app and follow the news
FOLLOW US ON
News
