BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered three agencies to work with the shooting sports community to address concerns that tighter gun controls are affecting training and competitions. Anutin said the government is currently tightening controls on firearms and had instructed authorities to reconsider the practice of giving guns as prizes to village chiefs and headmen. The Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration agreed that alternative forms of prizes should be considered.
The Shooting Sports Association has raised concerns that stricter firearm controls could make it difficult for athletes to train and compete. Anutin said the Department of Provincial Administration, Sports Authority of Thailand and the sports association are now coordinating to find a solution.
He stressed that any changes must maintain public safety and prevent loopholes that could allow firearms to be used to harm others. He also confirmed that additional firearm-control legislation is expected.
Responding to complaints from some police officers that tighter gun controls were making their work more difficult, Anutin said it was the responsibility of commanders to develop appropriate strategies, plans and procedures. “If it is part of official duties, it should not be difficult,” he said, adding that officers with concerns should raise them through their chain of command. The issue will also be discussed at a meeting of senior officials.
No exceptions in alleged exam fraud
Anutin also addressed allegations circulated by the STRONG Anti-Corruption Club that a Satun provincial councilor had allegedly acted as a broker in a scheme to facilitate cheating in local government examinations.
The prime minister said he would rely on reports from officials formally appointed to investigate the case and relevant agencies involved in the inquiry. If wrongdoing is established, legal action will follow, he said. “Anyone who does wrong must face legal action. There are no exceptions, no connections and no ceiling,” Anutin said, stressing that no individual would be protected because of their position or connections.
Anutin also said he planned to attend the funeral rites for former Pheu Thai Party leader and former deputy interior minister Kriang Kalptinan. He said Kriang had been his deputy when Anutin served as interior minister and that they had maintained a close relationship. The prime minister expressed regret that he had not visited Kriang while he was ill, saying he had not realized the seriousness of his condition until recently. (TNA)
