{"id":2483,"date":"2026-08-12T07:08:11","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T07:08:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/topmovingpross.com\/?p=2483"},"modified":"2026-08-12T07:08:11","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T07:08:11","slug":"thai-government-vows-tougher-gun-controls-after-2-deadly-shootings-near-bangkok","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/topmovingpross.com\/?p=2483","title":{"rendered":"Thai government vows tougher gun controls after 2 deadly shootings near Bangkok"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

BANGKOK (AP) \u2014 The Thai government on Wednesday pledged to tighten gun controls and crack down on illegal firearms after two deadly shootings<\/span> near Bangkok in less than a week renewed pressure on authorities to curb gun violence.<\/p>\n

Read more Trump scoffs at Iran\u2019s demand for war reparations and other Mideast developments<\/a><\/p>\n

The country has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in Asia despite its fairly restrictive gun laws. The two recent shootings, both in Nonthaburi province northwest of the capital Bangkok, have intensified calls for tougher enforcement and tighter controls on firearms.<\/p>\n

A student opened fire at his high school and family home on Friday, killing at least eight people<\/span> and injuring more than 20 before apparently taking his own life, according to police. Three days later, a former lawmaker was arrested after a shooting at a government office that killed one person and injured another.<\/p>\n

Government spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana said Wednesday that the government is working to strengthen gun regulations and crack down on illegal firearms, as well as raising awareness on the responsibilities of and limits on gun ownership.<\/p>\n

\n<\/div>\n

The ultimate goal is \u201cto find ways to remove guns from people\u2019s daily lives as much as possible and make Thai society safer,\u201d she said in a statement.<\/p>\n

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered an urgent review of gun regulations, including a suspension of new permits to purchase firearms and a review of existing permits, according to a statement from the Government House.<\/p>\n

He also instructed the Interior Ministry to propose amendments to Thailand\u2019s gun control laws within 60 days. The changes are expected to bolster the collection of firearms data, tighten controls on the gun trade and increase penalties for offenders.<\/p>\n

Read more Thousands flee yearslong drought in Somalia as hunger deepens and aid shrinks<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Penalties for unlawful possession of firearms in Thailand include prison terms from 1 to 10 years and fines of up to 20,000 baht ($600). While the licensing laws are strict, critics say there are weaknesses in enforcement.<\/p>\n

Thailand has one of the highest rates of gun ownership<\/span> in Asia, second only to Pakistan and far surpassing its Southeast Asian neighbors.<\/p>\n

\n<\/div>\n

Data collected in 2017 by the groups Small Arms Survey and GunPolicy.org found that Thai civilians owned about 15 guns per 100 people, compared with less than one per 100 people in neighboring Malaysia.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\n<\/svg>\n<\/div>\n
\nSign up for Morning Wire:<\/strong>
\n Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day.\n <\/div>\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n
\n