Natthaphong proposes gun-control law ammendments
BANGKOK — 14 August 2026, People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut said his party was preparing proposed amendments to firearm laws and gun-control measures, while warning that stricter penalties would be ineffective without equal enforcement. Natthaphong, who is also opposition leader in the House of Representatives, expressed condolences over the deaths and said schools receiving threats…
Bangkok, 14 August 2026 — Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party, announced his party’s plans to submit proposed amendments to firearm laws and gun-control measures. The opposition leader expressed condolences for those who had died and emphasized that schools receiving threats should take them seriously, regardless of whether the sender intended to carry them out. He urged school administrators to monitor safety conditions at their institutions as fully as possible.
Natthaphong stated that the People’s Party was considering amendments to firearm laws and broader gun-control policies. However, he cautioned that merely increasing penalties would not address the issue if enforcement remained inadequate. "Laws with higher penalties could be exploited by corrupt officials to demand benefits or extort money for themselves," he warned.
When asked if the party intended to present a firearms bill during the upcoming parliamentary session, Natthaphong explained that internal discussions were still ongoing. He indicated that the party likely planned to introduce its own proposal alongside any government bill. He also highlighted the need for equal treatment under the law, criticizing politicians for receiving preferential handling amid allegations of high rates of gun ownership among elected officials.
Natthaphong referenced footage showing a political figure in a police setting, smoking and not handcuffed, stating that it created an impression of unequal treatment within the justice system.
Regarding the reported reprimand given by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to the national police chief, Natthaphong acknowledged that public trust would be determined more by actions than by statements. He stressed that effective enforcement of existing laws was paramount. While several proposals aimed at returning firearms already circulating in society back under state control had been suggested, he reiterated that effective enforcement remained the central concern.
Written by urgent.news from Khaosod English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
