Thailand’s History with Gun Law

Thailand has some of the highest rates of civilian gun ownership in its region, with around 10.3
million firearms in public possession according to a 2017 report from the Small Arms Survey. It is
also of importance to note that this report estimates almost half of these firearms are unregistered.
This puts rates at about 15 guns per 100 people, a far higher number than observed in Thailand’s
neighbours Myanmar (1.6 firearms per 100 people) and Cambodia (4.46 firearms per 100 people).

Debsirin is also not the first case of a mass shooting in recent years. In 2020, a soldier killed at least
29 people and injured 57 more after a property deal went wrong. In 2022, an ex-police officer used a
gun and knife to attack a daycare centre, killing 36 people, 22 of which were children. Just earlier this
year, a gunman openfired at a school, killing a female teacher in Hat Yai.

Three days after the Debsirin attack, a former MP shot a former police officer, Thongchai Yenprasert,
and his driver. Yenprasert passed away from his injuries on his way to the hospital. The attack took
place in Nonthaburi, the same region as Debsirin.
As Minister, Anutin had previously tried to tighten gun laws following these incidents. These
measures included temporarily stopping approval for new gun permits and an under-20 ban for
shooting ranges. There were also proposals for regular safety screenings. A lot of the proposals did
not materialise, and the ones that did have had insufficient effects in prevention.

What Next?

Anutin has announced a suspension on possession and purchase of firearms in an effort to prevent
further shootings. This also specifically targets renewals of Por 3, Por 4 and Por 12 licences, which
have been suspended until further notice. A ban was additionally placed on ‘Welfare Guns.’
Immediately following the shooting, Anutin voiced his focus on prohibiting the public carrying of
firearms for civilians and off-duty officers. This law currently exists, but has been challenging to put
into practice. Prasert Jantararuangtong, the Education Minister, has proposed metal screenings and
bag checks at school entry points to ensure no weapons are brought in.

As Minister, Anutin had experienced backlash for his stricter stance on gun laws. Firearm and
ammunition businesses have voiced concern for the commercial losses they could face if more
limitations come into place. To this, Anutin expressed that human life “far outweighs” any business or
financial loss faced.

Unregistered and Illegal Firearms

A major issue facing firearm regulations is the large amount of unregistered and illegally purchased
guns in Thailand. Of the 10,000 civilian firearms in Thailand, over 4,000 are unregistered with local

authorities, making it harder to place restrictions on them. Welfare guns, a targeted programme in the
new suspensions, allowed public officials to purchase firearms at a discounted price. This scheme has
raised issues as many of the guns purchased as Welfare Guns are often resold,
Undoubtedly, Debirin has raised important conversations within the law about gun ownership. As the
victims and their loved ones begin the process of recovery, Thailand too tries to move towards a safer
future. The long-term effects of these new restrictions are still to be seen.

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