National —
The Thai prime minister held a discussion with relevant government officials to expedite a solution to the current major incident dominating the news, the Siam Paragon shopping mall shooting. A national emergency alert system on a mobile application is currently under discussion for development with cooperation from mobile network service providers.
At 4:30 PM, on October 4th, 2023, Thai Prime Minister Mr. Srettha Thavisin held a discussion with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, the Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, and relevant officials on the shopping mall incident. In Thailand, illegal firearms are widely on sale digitally, whether blank guns or improvised firearms. Mr. Srettha emphasized strict prohibition on purchasing firearms without proper procedures and elevated security measures in crowded establishments.
Additionally, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society would shut down illegal websites selling firearms, weapons, hazardous substances, and other dangerous objects without a permit.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society revealed details about a proposed emergency alert system that would send notifications about a current emergency situation to all citizens on the mobile network. The alert notifications include terrorist attacks, disasters, emergencies, etc. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) and relevant agencies also proposed another possible method to notify via multiple networks: television, social media platforms, etc.
The proposed emergency alert systems are still in discussion phases but Mr. Thavisin promised swift action to reassure the public in the wake of the shooting tragedy.
Meanwhile, reports of stricter security measures at malls across the country have been reported to TPN media, including actions such as bag checks and metal detectors being used for visitors.
