Northern Village Leaders Reject Cash Awards for Ceremonial Guns
Village leaders from 17 northern provinces formally opposed a government policy to replace ceremonial firearms awards with cash compensation, arguing the guns hold greater spiritual value and are essential for community security and self-de
On September 25, the management committee of the village leaders and administrators association from 17 northern provinces convened at Kamphaeng Phet Rajabhat University's auditorium, with Saduddee Puttang, provincial deputy governor, presiding. The meeting aimed to build relationships, exchange ideas and work experience, and coordinate with the Department of Local Administration and Interior Ministry to implement community welfare initiatives across the northern region.
A significant protest emerged during the session when Nantiwat Patthanasakthi, a tambon administrator from Kamphaeng Phet, along with other award-winning village leaders, presented a formal petition through the association chairman Rattakarn Chantanu. The group opposed ending the tradition of awarding ceremonial firearms as honors, replacing them instead with cash or goods under the government's gun-regulation policy.
The village leaders argued that the award firearms represent the highest symbol and honor of their official duties, holding far greater spiritual value than monetary compensation. They stated the guns are necessary tools for self-defense, ensuring security, and maintaining peace and order in their communities, and that despite mostly being kept safely, they serve as a source of pride. Lieutenant General Rewat Klinthagert, former deputy police commander, speaking as a special lecturer, openly supported their position, noting that village administrators are legally designated government officials responsible for maintaining order and therefore need firearms for their duties and self-defense. He questioned the government policy by asking how officers could handle dangerous criminals with merely a nightstick or bamboo stick instead.
