How Do Teenagers Keep Accessing Guns in Southeast Asia

In Southeast Asia, teenagers continue to obtain access to guns, leading to tragic mass shootings. On August 7, a 14-year-old Thai student killed his grandparents and five teachers at his school in Bangkok before taking his own life. This follows another school shooting in Zamboanga, Philippines, where a ninth-grade student killed a fellow student before dying by suicide. Police suspect one of the guns belonged to the attacker's father, a customs police official.

Thailand and the Philippines have high rates of civilian gun ownership, with Thailand boasting approximately 10.3 million firearms, or roughly 15 guns per 100 people. The Philippines is believed to have several million firearms in civilian hands. Both countries have relatively strict gun laws, but possession licenses remain valid for life, with no mandatory mental health screenings for license applicants.

Government welfare gun programs have allowed police officers and officials to acquire firearms at discounted rates, fueling a secondary black market. Critics argue that weak restrictions on the resale of these guns have helped create a vast secondary market. Thailand's Prime Minister has responded to recent shootings by suspending new firearm purchase permits and considering tightening license validity, health checks, and penalties, as well as introducing an amnesty for unregistered weapons.

However, Thailand's experience demonstrates that even comprehensive gun laws may not prevent illegal access to firearms. In the Philippines, the recent school shootings involved guns belonging to the attackers' relatives, raising questions about juvenile criminal responsibility and the broader issue of firearm access. Experts suggest that addressing the root causes of this problem requires systemic legislation, stricter storage requirements, regular license renewals, and enhanced penalties for negligence.

Additionally, tracking firearms once they leave police or military inventories and improving regional intelligence sharing against illicit trafficking are crucial steps. While legislation can help, the social status attached to firearms and their cross-border circulation remain significant challenges that require comprehensive solutions.