Thailand Suspends New Gun Permits Following Mass Shooting

Thailand has suspended the issuance of new firearm purchase permits and the renewal of existing licenses following a mass shooting last week. The decision comes after a 14 year old student killed eight people and himself. According to authorities, the shooter first killed his grandparents before opening fire on teachers and students at Debsirin Nonthaburi School. The weapon used was a 9mm handgun legally registered to the shooter's grandfather.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has directed officials to expedite a new gun control law with harsher penalties, with a new bill expected within 60 days. The government has also suspended "welfare gun" schemes, which allowed public officials to buy weapons at steep discounts. Additional measures include auditing gun dealers, inspecting ammunition at shooting ranges, and implementing real time electronic licensing. The education minister has proposed screening all individuals entering school premises to prevent weapons from being brought inside.

Police believe the shooter may have learned to use the weapon via social media and was influenced by violent online content, family issues, and academic anxiety. Thailand has one of the highest rates of civilian gun ownership in the region, with an estimated 10.3 million firearms in civilian possession. Current laws already prohibit gun owners from carrying weapons in public, requiring them to be kept at home or at a shooting range.