Anutin Charnvirakul Orders Strict Nationwide Firearms Controls After School Shooting

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered a nationwide tightening of firearms controls on August 11, 2026, after a 14-year-old student killed nine people, including the gunman and his grandparents, at a secondary school in Nonthaburi Province. The government immediately suspended firearm purchase permits and froze renewals for licenses to purchase, possess, and carry weapons.

Under the new directives, legally licensed firearms must remain at home. The government is enforcing a total ban on carrying weapons in public with no exceptions, including for sport shooters. Anutin characterized firearms as a "dangerous liability" and stated that using a gun for self-defense against an intruder at home would remain unlawful. To enforce these rules, the Royal Thai Police will increase nationwide checkpoints for firearms and drugs, with suspects in these cases denied bail.

Long-term measures include drafting amendments to the Firearms Act within 60 days to introduce real-time electronic licensing and mandatory renewals every three years. Gun owners have 30 days to apply for possession licenses or face illegal possession charges. Additionally, the Department of Provincial Administration and the Revenue Department will audit dealers and shooting ranges, while the Education Minister proposed screening all individuals entering school premises for weapons.