National—
On November 22nd, 2023, Ms. Traisulee Traisanakul, the Secretary to the Minister of Interior, publicly revealed that even minors or people who have malicious intentions can easily buy firearms or blank guns nowadays.
“Some people may carry both legal or illegal firearms in public areas where they intend to commit a crime. Such action will negatively affect the peace and order of society, economy, tourism, and image of the country,” said Traisulee.
The Thai Minister of Interior foresees such actions may cause further disturbance in society. Therefore, as per order from the Thai Prime Minister, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, the Deputy Prime Minister, drew up a temporary ban on carrying firearms in public areas for one year.
The firearms include ammunition, explosives, fireworks, and other firearms imitations in public areas.
The draft is in the process of being presented to Mr. Srettha Thavisin, the Thai Prime Minister, before being published in the Royal Gazette.
However, the order will not apply to police officers, military personnel, or persons authorized to carry firearms on duty in public areas such as government officials, people who are assisting the government and have reason to use weapons according to the law.
Read about the previous statement on strengthening firearm control by the Minister of Interior.
