Thailand has a gun problem - 10 million of them
Recent shootings have highlighted the country's troubled relationship with guns, with laws doing little to curb the violence.
Thailand grapples with an alarming number of guns, with over 10 million civilian-owned firearms circulating, including 4 million without proper licensing. This high prevalence of guns has resulted in a significant number of accidental deaths, as seen in two recent incidents. In one case, a 14-year-old student opened fire at his school, killing eight people before taking his own life.
In another incident, a 71-year-old former politician shot and killed a former colleague in a heated exchange over money owed. The Thai police estimated that between 2,000 and 3,000 gun deaths occur annually, far exceeding the number in countries with similar populations, such as Britain, which averages less than 50 gun deaths per year.
Guns are often used in domestic disputes, financial disagreements, and bar brawls fueled by alcohol. The problem stems from Thailand's tolerance for violence and the glorification of guns, with many civilians owning weapons as a status symbol. Thailand's gun regulations appear strict, requiring multiple permits for purchase, possession, and carrying, but loopholes exist, allowing easy access to guns.
Police and officials can buy discounted firearms, and black markets thrive due to corruption and local gunmakers.
Written by urgent.news from BBC World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
