Thai Gun Shops Pivot to Other Businesses Amid Tightening Firearm Regulations

Gun shops in Bangkok's historic gun district are facing severe financial pressure due to tightening government regulations and a ban on firearm imports. One shop owner, Warintorn Boonyachai, has begun selling sourdough bread to cover staff salaries, though she expressed hope that the import ban would be lifted. The current restrictions follow a series of mass shootings, including a 2023 incident at a Bangkok mall and a recent shooting where a 14 year old killed at least seven people before committing suicide.

In response to the recent violence, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul proposed a law to suspend the issuance of new firearm purchasing and ownership permits. Police have also been ordered to stop renewing permits for buying guns. Thititorn Bupparamanee, president of the Firearms Traders Association of Thailand, argued that these measures will not solve gun violence and may instead drive buyers toward the black market. He noted that the industry is worth approximately 2 billion baht.

Thailand has one of the highest rates of private gun ownership in Asia. A 2017 estimate by the Small Arms Survey placed civilian possession at 10.3 million firearms, with roughly 6 million registered and 4 million unregistered. While some, such as the mother of a student who fled the August 7 shooting, support the right to own guns, they have called for increased scrutiny and controls on carrying weapons outside the home.