Bangkok —
Thailand is suspending new gun permits and tightening its firearm controls after last week’s deadly school shooting, in which a 14-year-old boy killed eight people before turning the gun on himself.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul issued the directive on Tuesday, ordering government officials to “urgently elevate firearm control measures across the entire system,” according to a statement from his office.
The measures include temporarily suspending the issuance of gun purchase permits, re-reviewing all permits still pending approval, and suspending new “welfare gun” programs – which allow eligible public officials, including civil servants and politicians, to buy discounted weapons.
Government agencies will also now inspect gun dealers nationwide and verify sales records; inspect ammunition at shooting ranges to check that they’re following regulations; and “accelerate crackdowns on illegal firearms, rigorously prosecute offenders, and request maximum penalties from the court,” the directive read.
