Thailand Freezes Gun-Purchase Permits and Pushes Tougher Firearms Law
The government has suspended new firearm-purchase permits, ordered a review of existing licences and set out school screening measures after a deadly school shooting.
Thailand has suspended the issuing of new firearm-purchase permits and ordered a nationwide review of existing licences following a deadly school shooting, the government said.
Ministers have set out draft legislation tightening the conditions for civilian firearm ownership, including stricter psychological and background screening, tighter controls on modified and blank-firing weapons, and heavier penalties for unlicensed sale and possession.
Education authorities have been instructed to expand entry screening and security procedures at schools, and to strengthen referral pathways for pupils and staff identified as at risk.
Thailand has one of the highest rates of civilian firearm ownership in South-East Asia. The Small Arms Survey has estimated roughly 10 million firearms in civilian hands, a large share of them unregistered.
Source: Thai government statements, Royal Thai Police and the Small Arms Survey. Verified to approximately 11:45 BST on Thursday, 13 August 2026.
Corrections & updates
- Story updatedAug 27, 2026, 1:52 PM
- Story published
Verified against the sources cited in this report.
Aug 13, 2026, 10:33 AM
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