Nopadon Backs Rewat's School Gun Debate, Urges Strict Upstream Control

Following the recent shooting incident at Debsirin Nonthaburi School, Thai society has once again confronted a critical question: if police arrive too late, who will protect the children? This is a pressing dilemma that no one should overlook. Asst. Prof. Dr. Nopadon Kannika, a National Police Policy Committee member, public representative, and master's degree lecturer in Peace Innovation at College of Public Administration, Siam Technology College, has recently shared his perspective on the matter.

The heated debate was triggered by Lt. Gen. Rewat Klinkesorn, former Commissioner of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, who proposed allowing teachers to carry firearms to prevent violent incidents inside educational institutions. Dr. Nopadon praised Lt. Gen. Rewat for having the courage to raise a topic that may spark both agreement and dissent, noting its immense value in forcing society to seriously consider the safety of teachers and students. Crucially, the proposal exposes the dangerous time gap before police forces can secure a scene, a reality policy makers must not ignore.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

"I therefore believe that Lt. Gen. Rewat's proposal should be used as a starting point for designing a more comprehensive safety system, encompassing pre-incident prevention, weapon control, monitoring, alert systems, drills, and legally engaging the public as security partners. Sometimes, proposals that provoke debate can also serve as the starting point for policies that make society safer."

Asst. Prof. Dr. Nopadon Kannika

Nevertheless, Dr. Nopadon pointed out that introducing firearms into an environment populated by children—whether for self-defense or threat mitigation—requires the most meticulous deliberation. Questions must be answered regarding who holds the weapons, who grants authorization, how much training is required, how firearms are stored away from children's reach, who takes responsibility in the event of friendly fire or operational confusion during emergencies, and how responding police officers can distinguish within a split second between an active shooter and a defender when multiple people are armed.