By Blessing Nweke
Thailand has suspended the issuance and renewal of firearm purchase licenses following a deadly school shooting that left nine people dead and reignited national debate over gun control. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the measures Tuesday, saying existing firearm licenses would also be reviewed.
The decision came days after a 14-year-old boy carried out a shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School outside Bangkok. The teenager had earlier killed his grandparents before opening fire at the school. The attack became Thailand’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly four years, increasing pressure on the government to strengthen firearm regulations.
Anutin directed officials to accelerate work on a new gun-control law that would introduce stronger restrictions and significantly tougher penalties. Police have been instructed to stop renewing permits that allow people to purchase firearms. The prime minister also reiterated that registered guns must be kept at home and cannot legally be carried in public.
Authorities are also examining ways to control illegal firearms and prevent weapons from reaching unauthorized users. The government has ordered audits of gun dealers and increased checks of firearm sales, licenses and ammunition at shooting ranges. Officials are considering electronic licensing systems and stronger controls over dealers.
The shooting has highlighted Thailand’s high rate of civilian gun ownership. Estimates indicate that the country has about 10.3 million civilian firearms, equivalent to roughly 15 guns for every 100 residents. Experts have also criticized the licensing system for lacking comprehensive mental-health screening and regular reassessments of gun owners.
Education officials are separately proposing stronger security measures at schools, including screening people entering education facilities for weapons and other prohibited objects. The government says the measures are intended to prevent another tragedy and improve public safety.
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