Government Defends Stricter Gun Control Measures
The Thai government is formulating stricter gun control legislation that distinguishes between ownership rights and the right to carry weapons in public, with officials defending the approach against criticism from sport shooters and self-d
Deputy Government Spokesman Lalida Pherisaiwiwat addressed criticism of the government's gun control approach on August 12, stating that the administration welcomes all suggestions and concerns regarding self-defense rights and impacts on sport shooters. The government is still formulating detailed legislation and has not concluded whether to impose a complete ban or restrict citizens' self-defense rights.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Interior Minister want ownership, carrying, and use of firearms to fall under stricter control, clearly distinguishing between the right to own and the right to carry and use weapons. Even legally registered firearms cannot be carried in public or used at will. The government is addressing both illegal and legal weapons without discrimination, suspending new welfare gun programs, halting and reviewing firearm purchase permits (Form 3), reorganizing related licenses, inspecting gun and ammunition dealers, checking weapons at firing ranges, linking databases electronically, and strictly suppressing illegal firearms.
Regarding proposals for physical and mental health checks or a reset program calling all gun owners back for screening, Pherisaiwiwat said these are worth studying but require consideration of legal, practical, organizational readiness, and fairness issues before implementation.
Concerning worries that citizens cannot use firearms for self-defense even at home, she emphasized that the government's policy does not eliminate current law under the legal defense principle under Criminal Code Article 68, assessed case by case. However, merely claiming gun ownership for self-defense cannot justify carrying weapons in public spaces, as authorities cannot distinguish between legitimate self-defense, intimidation, or premeditation.
The government acknowledges sport shooters' concerns and will tailor details to sporting use, requiring proper storage of weapons and ammunition in appropriate venues without ending the sport. She rejected comparisons with cannabis policy, saying each issue must be judged separately. The government's goal is not to frighten law-abiding citizens but to ensure all understand that gun ownership carries strict limitations and high responsibility, and firearms should not be everyday carry items used to threaten others casually.
