Politician Urges PM to Clarify Gun Control Measures

Rangsimant Rom, an opposition list MP and deputy leader of the Pheu Thai Party, called on Prime Minister Anuthon Chanyawiriyakul to provide clear gun control measures and conduct mental health assessments of gun owners. Speaking at Parliament on August 13, 2025, following recent mass shooting incidents—most recently in Nakhon Ratchasima province—Rom said he believes everyone is concerned, given that Thailand ranks among the world's highest in civilian firearms per capita.

Rom acknowledged that gun-related regulations have been problematic since firearm shops opened, and the recent tragic incidents underscore the need for urgent action. He stressed that measures must ensure public safety, especially in schools and public spaces, so people no longer live in fear. To date, he said, the government has offered only vague reassurances, with the Prime Minister and Interior Minister simply telling people not to carry weapons—which Rom argued misses the real point.

When solving the gun problem, Rom said the state must first clarify its policy: does it want citizens to own firearms or not? Even though illegal guns exist, legally owned firearms have been used in shocking incidents, so authorities must examine the loopholes in vetting procedures for gun owners. He questioned whether background checks are rigorous enough and called for improvements to the screening process.

Rom proposed that if the state wants to reduce firearms, it should drastically cut the number of legal guns and clearly identify who truly needs them—even police officers should be included in this scrutiny. He noted that police currently lack state-issued service weapons and must buy their own, making oversight difficult. Government officials, police, and soldiers have faced stress and substance abuse issues in the past; without proper controls, tragedies will keep recurring, he warned.

When asked about the Prime Minister's response, Rom said society has already formed its judgment, but the key question remains: what is today's problem? If it is too many firearms, the PM must spell out which groups are allowed to own them. If civilians cannot own guns, how will the state ensure their safety and protect their property? If the government cannot solve those problems, people will resort to self-defense, creating an endless cycle. Any exemptions for civil servants, police, and soldiers must have clear conditions.

Rom stressed that mental health screening of gun owners cannot be overlooked. Although owners may have been healthy when licensed, their mental state may have deteriorated since. Without ongoing psychological checks, incidents like these will continue. When asked if the criticism targets politicians with large personal gun collections, Rom said the issue involves politicians, police, soldiers, and administrators alike, all of whom own firearms. The real question is whether firearms are truly necessary and, if ownership is allowed, how the government can then ensure public safety.