BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s Interior Ministry has ordered police and local administrative officials to step up joint checkpoints and weapons inspections nationwide following a series of recent shooting incidents. Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Ansit Samphantharat said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had instructed police and local authorities to work together on intensified checkpoints specifically targeting firearms. Anusit said authorities had already been conducting weapons checks, but enforcement would now be strengthened following the recent incidents. He noted that several firearms used in recent cases were legally registered rather than illegal weapons.
He cited the recent shooting at Thepsirin Nonthaburi School, where the student involved reportedly used a firearm belonging to his grandfather, as well as the shooting of a Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation chief, where a registered firearm was reportedly involved.
The Interior Ministry official stressed that people are prohibited from carrying firearms without proper authorization. He said authorities would take action against anyone found carrying a firearm illegally. Officials have also been instructed to increase weapons screening at government offices and other crowded public locations, particularly following the shooting at a provincial administrative organisation office.
Ansit said provincial governors had been briefed on the strengthened measures and that authorities were considering a nationwide meeting of governors to reinforce implementation.
He said existing regulations already prohibit unauthorized firearm carrying, so a new Interior Ministry announcement may not be necessary, although further official guidance could be issued following discussions with governors. (TNA)
