Thailand Halts New Gun Permits After Tragic School Shooting

After a 14‑year‑old student opened fire at Debsirin Nonthaburi School, killing 12 people, the Thai government stopped issuing new firearm permits. Existing licences will not be renewed, and gun owners are required to keep weapons at home or a shooting range.

Thailand has one of the highest civilian gun‑ownership rates in Asia, with roughly 10.3 million firearms in private hands. Police believe the shooter used a handgun owned by his grandfather and may have taught himself how to shoot via social media.

The Prime Minister pledged to accelerate tougher gun‑control legislation with severe penalties. The education ministry is also proposing campus security measures, such as screening weapons entering schools.

Government officials are encouraging owners of about four million unlicensed guns to surrender them. The policy comes amid a national debate over gun violence, public safety, and the reach of digital media in influencing youths.