National Police Chief Orders Nationwide Gun and Explosive Crackdown
Thailand's national police chief has ordered all units nationwide to crack down on illegal firearms and explosives following recent violent incidents, with enhanced patrols at public spaces including schools and shopping centers.
National police command has ordered all units across Thailand to strengthen controls on firearms and explosives and escalate security measures in a concrete manner, emphasizing enhanced safety protocols and crime prevention in public areas nationwide.
On August 11, Deputy Police Chief Trairuang Phiwpharn, speaking as spokesman for the National Police Office, disclosed that Police Chief Kittisart Panthet has issued orders to all units nationwide to implement weapon regulations and upgrade security measures. The action responds to current violent incidents in which perpetrators have deployed firearms and explosives in multiple cases across different areas, resulting in loss of life, physical injury, and property damage to the public.
This constitutes an urgent government policy and National Police Office priority emphasizing crime prevention and suppression that impacts the public. Deputy Police Chief Thana Chuwong has been tasked with leading investigations into firearm, ammunition, and explosive-related offenses through targeted assessments, launching encirclement operations to search for firearms, weapons, ammunition, explosives, and weapon simulants, including illegal distribution channels both on the ground and through online social media.
Deputy Police Chief Thatchai Pitanilabut will upgrade safety measures and enhance security at public soft targets such as schools, shopping centers, and parks through increased visible patrols (Stop Walk Talk), weapons screening of suspicious persons and vehicles, rapid incident response, and tactical special operation units to contain and suppress incidents. All units are also instructed to inspect and control government firearms in compliance with regulations.
The Police Chief has additionally directed all commanding officers at every level to integrate investigative and crime prevention forces in conducting comprehensive sweeps against firearm, ammunition, and explosive offenses in concrete terms while strictly adhering to police tactics and the law.
