BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has called for tougher laws governing firearms following the deadly shooting at a school in Nonthaburi, while rejecting suggestions that teachers should be allowed to carry guns. Speaking on August 8, Anutin said he had discussed the issue with Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt and supported strengthening laws governing firearm possession and control. The government will also continue increasing checkpoints and inspections targeting people carrying firearms in public without a legitimate duty. Anutin stressed that carrying a firearm in public without authorization is against the law. Regarding shooting ranges, the Prime Minister said existing Department of Provincial Administration regulations require firearms and ammunition used at shooting facilities to comply with established rules. Ammunition for firearms kept at shooting ranges must be purchased through the facility, he said.
Anutin said people may legally practise shooting under the regulations but should not take firearms outside their homes or shooting facilities simply for personal protection. Using a firearm to resolve a dispute or confrontation could result in criminal charges. The Prime Minister also dismissed suggestions that teachers should be permitted to carry firearms at schools. He said teachers are not law-enforcement officers with authority to carry firearms as part of their duties. Anutin said authorities would continue targeting illegal firearms, stressing that such weapons would not be legalized. Anyone possessing an illegal firearm who is later arrested for another offence could face an additional charge related to the illegal weapon. People who possess illegal firearms were urged to surrender them to the Department of Provincial Administration, district offices or police. The Prime Minister also addressed reports that the 14-year-old suspect may have been bullied before the shooting. He urged the public not to draw conclusions before investigators establish the facts.
The issue remains part of the ongoing investigation, Anutin said, calling on people without a direct role in the investigation to avoid speculation that could create further public concern. He also emphasized the responsibility of legal firearm owners to keep registered guns securely stored and out of children’s reach. Anutin said firearm owners must report any missing or stolen weapon to police immediately. He warned that if a registered firearm is later used in a crime, the registered owner could face legal responsibility if the weapon was not properly secured or its disappearance was not reported.
Following repeated incidents involving firearms, the government and Royal Thai Police will pursue serious charges against those who violate the law. Anutin also called for cooperation from prosecutors and courts to ensure firearms-related laws are enforced strictly. The Prime Minister said injured victims of the Nonthaburi shooting would continue receiving medical care from the Ministry of Public Health and relevant agencies. Asked whether he would visit the injured victims in hospital, Anutin said briefly that they should be allowed to rest fully.
