Thailand suspends new gun permits after mass shooting

What the report says

Thailand’s government has immediately halted the issuing of new gun permits after last week’s school shooting outside Bangkok, in which authorities say a 14-year-old killed eight people and then himself. The move comes as Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul pledges tougher gun control laws with stronger penalties, while existing rules barring licensed gun owners from carrying weapons in public remain in force.

According to BBC World News, the shooting happened at Debsirin Nonthaburi School, where the boy first shot his grandparents with a handgun owned by his grandfather before opening fire at teachers and students. The victims included both grandparents, five school staff members and a 12-year-old girl. Police said they believe the suspect may have learned to use guns through social media and had shown a strong interest in firearms.

Thailand has one of the highest levels of civilian gun ownership in the region, with about 10.3 million firearms in civilian hands, alongside significant gun crime. The government is also weighing steps to encourage owners of an estimated four million unlicensed guns to surrender them. Gun-control advocates have called for mental health checks and periodic reviews of permits, while officials have suggested tighter ammunition rules and possible screening at school entrances. The measures are being presented as an interim response while new legislation is drafted.