One-year freeze on gun carry permits after spike in shootings

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, in his capacity as interior minister, has issued an edict suspending the issuance of licences to carry firearms, known as “Por 12” permits, for one year. The move comes in the wake of an increase in violent incidents involving the illegal use of firearms.

The order states that there has been a rise in the number of people carrying firearms in public who were later involved in violent incidents resulting in death, injury or property damage, causing public concern and posing a security threat.

For the sake of public safety and order, the edict says it is deemed appropriate to suspend the issuance of licences to carry firearms for one year, effective from the date the order is published in the Royal Gazette.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Administration Department has sent letters to all local administrators instructing them to tighten the issuance of permits to purchase firearms, known as “Por 3” permits, and to monitor gun buyers to ensure that they continue to meet the required qualifications to own firearms.

Individuals applying for Por 3 permits must meet the requirements stipulated in Article 13 of the Firearms Act B.E. 2490 (1947).

Even if a person has received a permit to own a firearm, they have no right to carry it in public. Firearms must be kept at home for self-protection, unless it is urgently necessary to carry them.

Violations are punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of 10,000 baht.