BANGKOK, Aug 7 — Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has pledged to introduce new firearms control measures in the wake of a shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School today which left seven people dead.
Anutin, who is also the Interior Minister, said the proposed measures would include tighter restrictions on the public's right to bear arms.
"I will need to discuss this with the national police chief. But the law is already clear: ordinary members of the public who do not have any official duties are not allowed to carry firearms outside their homes or in public places.
"The new law will only allow government officials on duty to carry guns," he told the media.
Earlier, Anutin visited Debsirin Nonthaburi School and was briefed by Royal Thai Police officials on the situation.
However, he did not provide details of the proposed legislation, including whether it would tighten requirements for firearm ownership.
"I will have to make it clear that, from now on, when police set up checkpoints, they must also check for firearms. Anyone found carrying a firearm will face legal action," Anutin said.
The Prime Minister also ordered the Education Ministry to introduce measures to reassure parents that their children would be safe at school.
"I am sure the Education Minister will have to impose certain measures to make sure that all students in the school are safe.
"But normally, I do not think we have ever considered putting X-ray screening machines in place for students before they enter school. I do not think that is ordinary or normal," he said.
Earlier at 10am, a 14-year-old student of the school reportedly opened fire and killed three teachers and three students.
The suspect himself was subsequently found dead at the school, according to the police.
Twenty-one others were injured in the rampage and taken to hospital for treatment, eight of whom are in critical condition.
