Thailand suspends new gun permits after mass shooting
Authorities promise tough new laws in the country, which has high levels of firearms ownership.
Thailand has halted the issuance of new gun permits in the wake of a mass shooting last week, an incident that claimed the lives of eight individuals and the 14-year-old perpetrator. The government's decision comes as mourners gathered to pray for a 12-year-old victim of the school shooting outside Bangkok.
Existing gun owners in Thailand are already prohibited from carrying their weapons in public. The Southeast Asian nation has a significant rate of civilian gun ownership, with approximately 10.3 million firearms in private hands, contributing to high levels of gun-related crime.
In response to the recent tragedy, the prime minister has pledged to expedite the implementation of stringent new gun control legislation, which will include severe penalties.
Authorities reported that last Friday, a student at Debsirin Nonthaburi School, located outside Bangkok, used his grandfather's handgun to shoot his grandparents before opening fire on teachers and students at the school. The victims included both grandparents, five school staff members, and a 12-year-old girl.
Police investigations suggest that the shooter may have acquired gun proficiency through social media. Evidence indicates the boy consumed violent online content and displayed a keen interest in learning gun handling. Officials believe that this content, combined with academic stress and family problems, may have contributed to his actions.
On Tuesday, officials paid their respects to the victims at a temple in Nonthaburi.
Effective immediately, no new permits for gun purchase or ownership will be granted, and existing permits will not be renewed. Permits for carrying guns were suspended in late 2023, requiring gun owners to store their weapons at home or at designated shooting ranges.
The government is also exploring initiatives to encourage owners of an estimated four million unlicensed firearms to surrender them. Additionally, the education minister has proposed implementing school entrance screenings to prevent students from bringing weapons onto campuses.