30-Day Amnesty for Unlicensed Gun Owners
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has announced a 30-day gun amnesty period, offering individuals without proper firearm permits the opportunity to hand in their weapons at any police station without facing legal consequences. This decision comes as the government seeks to crack down on unlicensed firearms and reduce violence connected to mafia-like networks.
Recent Mafia-Linked Incident Spurs Action
The gun amnesty initiative is a response to a recent incident in which a highway police officer, Pol Maj Sivakorn Saibua, was shot at a dinner party at the home of local leader and construction business operator Praween Chanklai, also known as “Kamnan Nok.” A joint team of 100 police and other officials raided 21 locations in Nakhon Pathom, seizing approximately 16 guns and 200 bullets from a network connected to the shooting.
Implementation and Nationwide Screening of Local Leaders
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was assigned by Prime Minister Srettha to form a special team to implement the month-long amnesty, according to government spokesman Chai Wacharonke. Concurrently, Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaiset is leading a nationwide effort to screen local leaders with potential ties to influential mafia-like gangs, aiming to blacklist them. This operation is being carried out across all provinces in the country.
Additional Details of the Police Raid and Shooting
During the raid in Nakhon Pathom, nine of the seized guns were found at the home of Pol Sgt Maj Pisit Chiewpreecha. It has been reported that Praween Chanklai requested Pol Maj Sivakorn, the victim of the shooting, to award Chiewpreecha a special promotional transfer during the dinner party. Sivakorn’s refusal to comply with the request is believed to be the reason behind the fatal attack. Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn revealed that two cars, presumably used by the suspects during their escape, were discovered at a firm associated with Praween Chanklai.
Impact of Gun Amnesty on Illegal Firearms
This 30-day gun amnesty program aims to curb illegal firearm possession and reduce violence related to criminal networks. It is expected to aid law enforcement in their efforts to identify and dismantle mafia-like gangs and create a safer environment for the public.
