Thai police say they arrested suspects in 7,261 firearms-related cases and seized 7,872 guns during a nationwide 15-day crackdown between 12 and 26 August 2026. The operation targeted illegal guns, military weapons, ammunition, explosives and imitation firearms, as well as unlawful sales conducted both in person and through social-media channels. Police deputy chief Pol Gen Thana Chuwong announced the results on 26 August. He was joined by assistant police chiefs Pol Lt Gen Noppawat Ariyangkura and Pol Lt Gen Anucha Romyanan, along with representatives from other agencies, at the Jaeng Yodsuk room in the Immigration Bureau Training Centre building at Royal Thai Police headquarters. Most guns seized were unregistered Of the 7,872 firearms seized, police listed 711 as registered guns, 7,145 as illegal guns and 16 as military weapons. The on-the-ground operation accounted for 6,535 cases. Officers seized 6,963 firearms, 59,632 rounds of ammunition and 340 explosive devices in those cases. Police checkpoints, roadblocks and inspection points produced 139 of the on-the-ground cases. Those seizures included 137 firearms, 628 rounds of ammunition and two explosive devices. Online firearms offences accounted for a further 726 cases, with police seizing 909 guns, 2,620 rounds of ammunition and 40 explosive devices. Warrants executed across Thailand On 18 August, police also carried out a nationwide drive to arrest wanted suspects. They said they executed 752 warrants and arrested 752 people. The campaign followed instructions from Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to control firearms across the entire system, close legal loopholes, and suppress illegal guns, drugs and influential figures. Police said firearms have increasingly been used in violent crime in all areas of the country, prompting the coordinated enforcement effort. Pol Gen Thana thanked officers involved in the operation, saying the large quantity of firearms and other evidence seized would help improve public safety nationwide. Pictures courtesy of Newna Join the discussion? 27 August 2026
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