Thailand imposes tighter gun controls after deadly school shooting

Thailand is suspending the issuance of new gun purchase permits and tightening firearm controls following last week’s deadly school shooting, in which a 14-year-old boy killed eight people before taking his own life, CNN reports.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered government officials to “urgently elevate firearm control measures across the entire system,” according to a statement from his office.

The measures include a temporary suspension of new gun purchase permits, a review of all applications still awaiting approval, and a halt to new “welfare gun” programs that allow eligible public officials, including civil servants and politicians, to purchase weapons at discounted prices.

Authorities will also inspect gun dealers nationwide and verify their sales records, while shooting ranges will face inspections of their ammunition stocks to ensure compliance with regulations.

The directive further calls on authorities to “accelerate crackdowns on illegal firearms, rigorously prosecute offenders, and request maximum penalties from the court.”

An initial compensation payment of 1 million baht, or about $30,166, has been approved for six of the victims, the statement said.

The shooting has renewed scrutiny of Thailand’s high levels of gun ownership, including both legally registered and unlicensed firearms.

On August 7, the 14-year-old gunman first killed his grandparents at the home where he lived before opening fire at a secondary school, killing six more people. He then took his own life.

The attack was Thailand’s deadliest mass shooting since 2022.

By Jeyhun Aghazada