BANGKOK — Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered a nationwide tightening of gun controls, including the suspension of new firearm purchase permits and government welfare gun programs, following concerns over illegal firearms and loopholes in the country’s weapons-control system.

Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said on August 11 that Anutin issued the orders during a Cabinet meeting, instructing relevant agencies to strengthen controls on firearm ownership, sales and ammunition and to prevent guns from reaching people who are not legally entitled to possess them.

Immediate measures

The government has ordered the following measures:

1. Suspend new government welfare gun programs until the Cabinet decides otherwise.

2. Suspend the issuance of firearm purchase permits (Por.3) until further notice.

3. Review all Por.3 permits nationwide. Registrars must check outstanding permits for which firearms have not yet been purchased and report the figures to the Ministry of Interior within 30 days.

4. Tighten firearm possession permits (Por.4). People who already received a Por.3 permit and purchased a gun must apply for a Por.4 possession and use permit within 30 days of the Cabinet decision. Failure to do so will mean they are considered to be unlawfully possessing a firearm.

5. Inspect firearms dealers nationwide. The Department of Provincial Administration will compare reported sales with Por.3 permits. Discrepancies will trigger legal action, while the Revenue Department will also examine tax records.

6. Inspect ammunition at shooting ranges. The Department of Provincial Administration, Royal Thai Police and relevant sports authorities will check ammunition stocks and sales for compliance with the law, alongside tax records.

7. Step up enforcement against illegal firearms. Administrative authorities and police have been ordered to intensify operations against illegal gun possession and trafficking and pursue strict legal penalties.

Gun law to be overhauled within 60 days

For the longer term, the government has instructed the Ministry of Interior to accelerate amendments to Thailand’s firearms legislation.

The proposed changes would introduce an electronic, real-time system covering firearm licensing and transactions, with information linked to the Customs Department and Revenue Department.

The government also plans to strengthen firearm identification records, impose tighter controls and greater responsibilities on gun dealers, and increase penalties for violations. A draft amendment is expected to be submitted within 60 days.

Other proposed long-term measures include requiring Por.4 firearm possession permits to be renewed every three years and introducing stricter ammunition controls. Gun dealers and shooting ranges would be required to reconcile ammunition sales with inventory on a daily basis.

The measures are aimed at closing gaps in Thailand’s existing firearms-control system and preventing legally registered firearms, as well as illegally traded weapons and ammunition, from reaching unauthorized users.