Thailand Halts New Firearm Permits to Combat Rising Gun Crime

[snoop1130]

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Thailand is suspending the issuance of new firearm carrying permits for a year starting Friday, as part of a broader government mission to tackle increasing gun violence. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed the order, which was published in the Royal Gazette on Thursday.

 

This decision reflects growing concerns about firearms being openly carried without just cause, often used to intimidate. According to Traisuree Taisaranakul, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Interior, such behaviour poses significant threats to public safety and undermines societal morale.

 

Despite stringent measures in place, Thailand reports a staggering 6.2 million registered guns with another estimated 4 million unregistered firearms within the country. This unnerving presence of guns contributes to Thailand's global ranking of 15th in gun-related deaths as of 2022, according to the World Population Review.

 

 

Previously, Mr Anutin suspended firearm permits following a tragic shooting incident involving rival student gangs in Bangkok’s Klong Toey district. Additionally, a significant police crackdown had confiscated over 2,000 illegal weapons following a deadly shooting at the Siam Paragon mall.

 

In light of these events, the Thai government is also evaluating amendments to its firearms legislation, aiming to address loopholes in its current 76-year-old law. This latest move reflects Thailand's urgent response to persistent gun-related crimes, aiming to foster a safer environment, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-13

 

 

[connda]

It's not people with permits who are the problem.  It's the people without the permits.

[connda]

29 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

with another estimated 4 million unregistered firearms within the country

I want whatever the person who made that estimate is smoking.  The low number of registered guns probably has something to do with the price tag of your typical hand gun which is literally 5 times the cost of the same gun in the US.  Only those with the means can afford a registered guy, the cheapest of which are around 80K THB.  Gun ownership is a middle and upper class phenomenon here.

Unregistered guns?  The 4 million quote is probably so low-balled as to be ridiculous. And now were talking about cheap, black-market firearms.  The trick here though is getting the ammo, not the guns.  That's more problematic for someone who owns an unregistered (illegal) firearm. 

And as far as concealed carry permits.  Those were close to impossible to get unless you were a connected "somebody."  So honestly, all the legislation does is keep uber-wealthy jerks from being able to legally conceal carry and then brandish their weapon after drinking too many Johnny Walkers at the Karaoke Club with the other connected and uber-wealthy.  This legislation affect a minuscule percentage of the population and primarily those who are rich enough and connected enough to get a permit.  It will have about as much effect as a pimple on a gnat's ass in "Combating Rising Gun Crime."  Want to combat it - register more guns so you know who has them. The primary gun criminals don't carry registered firearms. But the catch here is that the authorities will never register guns purchased on the black market.