“Thai authorities have seized over 2,000 illegal firearms and arrested 1,593 suspects in a nationwide crackdown to curb gun violence sparked by the tragic shooting at Siam Paragon shopping mall. Let’s help promote safety and reduce risks by saying no to illegal guns. #thailand #guncontrol #safety #stopillegalguns #reduceviolence”
Operation Sparked by Bangkok Mall Shooting
In response to the deadly shooting at Siam Paragon shopping mall on October 3rd, Thai police conducted a three-day nationwide crackdown to seize illegal firearms. The operation, which took place from October 9th to 11th, resulted in the confiscation of more than 2,000 illegal guns and 75,000 bullets. A total of 1,593 suspects were arrested during the raids at 3,224 locations across the country, according to national police chief Torsak Sukvimol.
A Wide Range of Illegal Firearms
The seized weapons included 1,789 illegal guns, such as blank guns and BB guns, as well as 219 registered guns that were changing hands illegally. Additionally, 75,973 rounds of ammunition were confiscated. The crackdown was ordered by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin following the tragic mall shooting, where a 14-year-old gunman killed two people and injured five others.
Restricting Gun Trade and Import Permits
As part of the short-term measures to tighten gun control, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul suspended the issuance of permits for importing and trading firearms. In the long term, authorities plan to amend the country’s 76-year-old firearms law in order to close loopholes.
Targeting Online Gun Sales
The police Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) is collaborating with various agencies to crack down on social media platforms that facilitate the illegal sale of firearms. So far, 79 Facebook pages, 14 TikTok accounts, 148 Twitter accounts, 26 YouTube channels, and 14 Instagram accounts have been shut down. Illegal possession of a firearm in Thailand can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of up to 20,000 baht.
Thailand’s Gun Ownership and Death Rates
Despite strict penalties, gun ownership in Thailand remains high compared to other countries in Southeast Asia. According to the Switzerland-based Small Arms Survey in 2017, Thais possessed around 10.3 million guns, only 6.2 million of which were registered. This places Thailand 13th globally for small gun possession. Furthermore, data from the World Population Review in 2022 revealed that Thailand ranked 15th in the world for gun-related deaths, with 2,804 fatalities and a rate of 3.91 people per 100,000 population.
With these recent efforts, Thai authorities aim to curb gun violence and reduce the risks posed by illegal firearms. The crackdown on online sales, in particular, is expected to make it more difficult for potential criminals to acquire weapons, thereby improving public safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the nationwide crackdown on illegal firearms in Thailand?
The nationwide crackdown was sparked by a tragic shooting at Siam Paragon shopping mall on October 3rd. In response, Thai police conducted a three-day operation from October 9th to 11th, resulting in the seizure of over 2,000 illegal firearms and the arrest of 1,593 suspects.
What measures are being taken to tighten gun control in Thailand?
In the short term, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has suspended the issuance of permits for importing and trading firearms. Long-term plans include amending the country’s 76-year-old firearms law to close loopholes. Additionally, the police Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) is working with various agencies to crack down on social media platforms that facilitate the illegal sale of firearms.
How does Thailand’s gun ownership and death rate compare to other countries?
According to the Switzerland-based Small Arms Survey in 2017, Thais possessed around 10.3 million guns, only 6.2 million of which were registered, placing Thailand 13th globally for small gun possession. Data from the World Population Review in 2022 revealed that Thailand ranked 15th in the world for gun-related deaths, with 2,804 fatalities and a rate of 3.91 people per 100,000 population.
