In the past few years, Thailand has experienced three horrendous mass shootings. A soldier of the Royal Thai Army committed the first, in 2020. He killed 30 people and wounded 58 others before he was eventually shot and killed (1).
In 2022, the Nong Bua Lamphu nursery massacre claimed the lives of 36 people, including 22 children. It is the deadliest mass murder by a single perpetrator in the modern history of Thailand. The perpetrator was a former police sergeant and drug addict (2).
In 2023, a shooting took place at the famous Siam Paragon mall. A 14-year-old boy with a history of mental illness killed two people and injured 5 others. Post the shooting, police found an arsenal of weaponry in his room (3).
As a result, Thai police arrested four men suspected of illegally selling modified firearms to the teenager. The men also had illegal firearms, tools to modify pistols and narcotics in their possession. During the raid, police also found livestreaming equipment, suggesting that sales took place on social media.
In addition, incidents involving disputes and suicides are regularly reported by the media.
The aforementioned horrific crimes have damaged public confidence in gun ownership laws and left many wondering just how easy it it is to get hold of a license, or buy a gun illegally on the black market.
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Firearm Ownership in Thailand
Thailand has stringent laws governing the possession and use of firearms. According to the Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, Fireworks, and Imitation of Firearms Act B.E. 2490 (1947), individuals are prohibited from owning firearms unless they obtain a proper license from the authorities. This law applies to both Thai citizens and foreigners (special cases) residing in the country.
However, while Thais can legally purchase and register firearms with a background check, gun ownership lacks substantial regulations. Once granted a gun permit, it remains valid indefinitely without the need for renewal.
This atypical approach to gun ownership, distinct from many other Asian countries, likely contributes to the proliferation of firearms in Thailand.
Thailand grapples with a higher incidence of mass shootings and gun violence in Southeast Asia for several reasons. Accessibility to firearms is notably easy for military and police personnel, even off-duty or after leaving service. Former members, regardless of mental health concerns, can acquire guns through government channels, contributing to the prevalence of weapons (4).
The kingdom also contends with a thriving black market, further increasing the availability of firearms, and its proximity to a neighboring nation embroiled in civil conflict exacerbates the situation.
Eligibility
1. Thai Citizens
Thai citizens are eligible for gun ownership under certain conditions. They must be at least 20 years old, have a legitimate reason for owning a firearm (such as self-defense, sport shooting or professional use), and pass a background check. Criminal records or a history of mental illness can and usually do disqualify applicants.
2. Foreigners
Foreigners residing in Thailand are generally prohibited from owning firearms. There are very limited exceptions, such as diplomats and representatives of foreign governments.
3. Security Personnel
Licensed security personnel are allowed to carry firearms as part of their profession, but these individuals are subject to thorough background checks and training requirements.
Types of Available Firearms
The types of firearms available to the public are strictly controlled. Handguns are more easily licensed and accessible than rifles or shotguns, and the sale of automatic or semi-automatic weapons to civilians is prohibited.
Obtaining a License
- Application: Those who meet the eligibility criteria must submit an application for a firearms license to the local police station.
- Background Check: Authorities conduct a thorough background check, including criminal and mental health evaluations.
- Training: Applicants must undergo training to ensure they can handle firearms safely.
- Storage and Use: Firearms must be stored securely when not in use. Owners must also adhere to strict regulations regarding the transport and use of their firearms.
Shooting Ranges
In Thailand, shooting ranges are legal and regulated. They are licensed as controlled environments for shooting practice, training and recreational shooting.
Ranges operate under the purview of government authorities such as the Royal Thai Police. These authorities oversee the issuance of licenses for shooting ranges and the use of firearms within them.
Shooting ranges are generally open to the public, both residents and tourists, who wish to experience shooting sports or practice marksmanship. Users typically need to meet certain criteria, such as being of legal age and not having a criminal record.
Foreign tourists can also visit and use these ranges, provided they meet the necessary qualifications and comply with the relevant regulations. In reality, however, shooting ranges aimed at (no pun intended) tourist experiences are easily accessible by all who apply. It is simply impossible for the range to accurately check every attendee's medical and criminal history.
Indeed, shooting ranges in tourist areas have seen a number of suicides over the years. In 2015, a British man shot himself at the Thalang range on Phuket (5). In 2022, a British serviceman shot himself at a Pattaya range (6). In 2023, a Belgium national shot himself at the Sai Yuan shooting range in Phuket (7).
It isn't just at gun ranges where foreign nationals can get hold of guns. Over the years there have been a number of expats arrested for illegal gun possession. In 2023, a New Zealander living on the island of Koh Samui was arrested after he was found with 26 guns including an AK and M16 gun (8).
Enforcement & What Now?
Violations can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment. However, enforcement clearly isn't working. The country is awash with guns, largely due to online sales where sellers use legal loopholes by selling “blank guns”, which are then converted into live firing weapons. In addition, guns are smuggled through neighboring countries.
Action is being taken. Jakkapong Sangmanee, the deputy foreign minister, recently announced, “The digital ministry will be shutting down websites selling blank guns.” Government deputy spokesperson, Karom Phonphonklang, added, “The government plans to ban imports of blank guns, BB guns and imitation firearms, and will also stop issuing additional permits for gun imports and permits for possession”.
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What are your thoughts on gun ownership and access to guns and shooting ranges in Thailand?
Last Updated on
Ken F says
This is not to say that the Thais do not need to seriously update their gun laws and more stringently enforce them, but I just don’t see this happening in my lifetime. In Thailand it all boils down to corruption and sloth whereas in the USA it comes down to powerful gun lobbies who are backed up by a gross misinterpretation of the second amendment to the Constitution of the United States. And I am saying this by the way as someone who grew up shooting and who currently own a 9mm handgun (for sport, not for protection). The truth is that while a gun can make a very insecure person feel more safe and secure, in reality they do not actually make you any safer. In fact, owning a gun actually makes you or someone in your family statistically MUCH more likely to be shot and killed. First of all, most legal gun owners in the USA do not even bother locking up their guns in a gun safe when not in use, not even when there are children living in the home. Speaking of which, when I was a kid I found my stepdad's 22 Ruger underneath his bed mattress. Anyway, this not only leads to a lot of accidental deaths, but it also means that thieves breaking into the house when nobody is home will find those guns and will use them to rob and maybe kill other people in the future. In fact, I recently read a news story about a 14-year-old boy who shot and killed his older sister after an argument broke out on Christmas day over some presents and then the other brother shot the first brother. And the reason these brothers had these guns is because they obtained them while breaking into houses, which they apparently frequently did. Incidentally, the majority of gun deaths in the USA are due to suicides and if there are no guns in the household you obviously cannot shoot yourself. I’m not saying that people should not own guns, I’m just saying that they should not kid themselves into thinking that this will make them any safer. I’m also saying that the vast majority of human being are simply too highly irrational and prone to emotional outbursts to be responsible gun owners. And ironically it is the most fearful and paranoid people who are by far the most likely to want to own a gun for protection. And yet these types are also the ones who are more likely to either shoot the wrong person while trying to protect themselves, or to have one of their family member die because they must always have the gun where they can grab it quickly rather than having it locked in a safe. Naturally guns can be successfully used to protect one's property, but the fact of the matter is that for every life that is saved by civilian gun ownership thousands more will die due to civilian gun ownership.
Still, one could argue I suppose that feeling safe and secure is in some ways even more important than actually being safe. After all, if you get robbed someday it will only affect you for that day for the most part. But worrying about something bad happening that might never happen on the other hand can affect you every single day of your life. And let's face it there are a lot of very insecure people out there who only feel safe when they have a gun around.
Feb 05, 2024 at 8:33 am
Jonathan Charles Hurley says
And so we began observing a cache of firearms ( which included several AR-15s, many 9MM hand guns, boxes and boxes of related ammunition.) We also used CCTV to keep this cache under constant surveillance.
After 2 months our results were....firearms are very VERY smart. They managed to escape ANY observation that showed they even MOVED, let alone went out and shot someone.
Our verdict: firearms are much much too smart for 99% of the people. We believe that if EVER thee was cause to prosecute thought crimes, these firearms were the epitome of how damaging thought crimes are.
From this point forward, we are of the belief each and every firearm in country should beheld in isolation for a month, during which each firearm will be subjected to highly stressful situations, and asked questions regarding how should a particular firearm should respond. or even if a response is warranted. We also have come to the belief that such is the intelligence of the firearms that we should be on high alert that a firearm could possibly lie to get around any gun control issues a government may employ.
Never forget; firearms are tricky. They can fool you into thinking they are under YOUR direct control, then, at the most unexpected times, show their true colors, and become independent. Why, they may even , out of spite, revolt against their perceived "ownership" as being enslaved. Dangerous characters, these firearms.
Apr 19, 2024 at 4:31 pm
Ken F says
Apr 23, 2024 at 2:45 am
KML says
Jun 04, 2024 at 10:44 am
RAYMOND REINKE says
5 YEARS AT HARD LABOR is a much better punishment than simply giving someone a jail sentence. 2nd offense.........
Having a firearm in possession while committing a crime.........
Nov 05, 2023 at 9:06 am
Mark says
Nov 06, 2023 at 4:24 am
Mark says
Oct 27, 2023 at 8:56 am
TheThailandLife says
Oct 27, 2023 at 4:46 pm
James says
Guns in Thailand should be harder to get, than a virgin bargirl !
Thai's love to follow American trends.
Please 🙏 DON'T allow this to happen to beautiful Thailand...✌
Oct 27, 2023 at 8:01 am
Mark says
Oct 28, 2023 at 2:58 am