Thailand Moves Toward Its Biggest Gun Law Overhaul Following School Shooting
In the wake of one of the deadliest school tragedies in recent years, the Thai government has announced a sweeping reform of the country’s firearms legislation. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the government is preparing a new law that would significantly restrict civilians’ right to carry firearms.
Proposed Law Could Dramatically Change Firearm Carry Rules
The announcement came just hours after a 14-year-old boy fatally shot his grandparents before opening fire at a school on the outskirts of Bangkok. According to police, eight people, including the shooter, were killed in the attack.
Under the proposed legislation, only government officials acting in the course of their official duties would be permitted to carry firearms. While authorities have not yet released the full details of the bill, it is already being described as the most significant overhaul of Thailand’s gun laws in years.
High Civilian Gun Ownership Remains a Major Challenge
Firearms regulation has long been a sensitive issue in Thailand. According to the Small Arms Survey, the country has approximately 10.3 million civilian-owned firearms—about 15 guns per 100 residents, the highest rate in Southeast Asia. Nearly four million of those weapons are estimated to be unregistered.
Experts argue that Thailand’s current licensing system requires substantial reform. At present, firearm applicants are not required to undergo mandatory mental health evaluations, nor are licensed owners subject to periodic reassessment. Specialists say the absence of these safeguards has contributed to the recurrence of such tragedies.
This is not the first attempt to tighten firearms regulations. Following the shooting at a Bangkok shopping mall in 2023, authorities introduced restrictions on new firearm licenses, gun imports, and access to shooting ranges for individuals under the age of 20. However, the latest tragedy has once again intensified calls for broader reforms that the government believes could help prevent similar attacks in the future.
Read also: Iran and Oman Reach Understanding on the Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
