BANGKOK, Thailand – The House Committee on Police has backed the government’s push for tighter controls on firearms following a series of recent shootings, while rejecting claims that the shooting of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation chief was politically motivated. Sergeant Apichart Kaewkosol, Phetchaburi MP from the Bhumjaithai Party and deputy chairman of the House Police Committee, said the committee was responding to Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s policy to tighten controls on firearms and their possession.
Apichart said the committee, led by its chairman, had already taken up the government’s policy and was coordinating with representatives of the Department of Provincial Administration on stronger measures. He said authorities were working on new laws and regulations covering firearm possession, with the aim of ensuring the measures could be effectively enforced.
The committee’s focus comes amid several recent incidents involving firearms, including the shooting of the Nonthaburi PAO chief allegedly involving former Nonthaburi MP Chalong Riewrang.
Apichart was also asked about criticism of police handling of Chalong following his arrest, particularly images showing him without handcuffs and later sitting and smoking while in custody. He said the images shown by television news had already drawn attention and that Prime Minister Anutin had directly telephoned the national police chief to raise concerns over the incident. “The failure to use handcuffs and allowing him to sit and smoke are matters that need to be improved,” Apichart said, adding that police and provincial authorities had since explained the circumstances surrounding the handling of the suspect.
Asked whether the shooting could become linked to political conflict, Apichart rejected the suggestion, saying the circumstances described by Chalong pointed to a personal dispute rather than a political motive. He said Chalong and the Nonthaburi PAO chief had previously been close and described their relationship as being like that of brothers. “I would say this is probably not about politics,” Apichart said. “In the current era, political competition should remain within the rules. There should be no killing or violence.”
The police committee’s position comes amid growing calls for authorities to tighten oversight of firearms and prevent weapons from being used in personal disputes or other violent incidents.
Apichart said the committee would continue working with relevant agencies on stronger firearm laws and regulations, while the government’s broader measures are expected to focus on reducing the risk of firearms falling into the wrong hands.
