Thailand suspends new gun permits after mass shooting

Thailand has halted the issuance of new gun permits following a tragic school shooting where a 14-year-old killed eight individuals before taking his own life. Existing gun owners are currently prohibited from carrying firearms in public. With around 10.3 million civilian-owned firearms, Thailand has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in Southeast Asia.

In response to the incident, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has pledged to enact stringent new gun control laws with severe penalties while temporarily suspending new permits.

Last Friday, the perpetrator, a student at Debsirin Nonthaburi School outside Bangkok, shot his grandparents with a handgun belonging to his grandfather before attacking teachers and students at the school. The victims included both grandparents, five school staff members, and a 12-year-old girl. Police suspect the shooter may have learned gun handling skills through social media, and his actions may have been influenced by anxiety over studies and family issues, as well as exposure to violent online content.

Existing purchase permits will not be renewed, though the fate of current gun ownership permits remains unclear.

Permits to carry guns were suspended in late 2023, requiring owners to store their weapons at home or a shooting range. The government is also contemplating measures to encourage the estimated four million owners of unlicensed guns to surrender them following the school shooting. The announced measures will remain in place as the government works to pass new gun control laws with stronger controls and harsher penalties.

Gun control advocates have advocated for mental health assessments as part of the permit process and for periodic re-evaluation of permits. The education minister has proposed school entrance screenings to prevent students from bringing weapons onto campus.