ISTANBUL, Aug 11 — Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered a one-year nationwide suspension of new firearm carry permits following a deadly school shooting, saying the measure aims to “maintain public order, reduce the risk of violence, and restore public confidence”.
Citing local media, Anadolu Ajansı reported that the Interior Ministry, via the Provincial Administration Department, also instructed local officials to tighten screening procedures for firearm purchase permits, including thorough background checks under the Firearms Act.
Supervision of licensed firearm owners with possession permits will also be strengthened to ensure continued compliance with legal requirements.
Firearms must be kept at home and may not be carried in public without lawful cause. Violations carry penalties of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to ฿10,000 (RM1,235.80), or both.
The move comes after a deadly school shooting on Friday (August 7) left nine people dead, including the grandparents of the student perpetrator, who later died by suicide.
Education Minister Prasert Jantararuangthong has proposed a six-point national safety package to the Cabinet aimed at preventing similar attacks, including mandatory mental health screenings, emergency drills and zero-tolerance policies on bullying and weapons.
In a separate incident yesterday, a former Thai lawmaker was arrested over the killing of the president of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation.
