Thai PM Furious Over Uncuffed Murder Suspect's Press Conference, Declares All Gun Carry Permits Expired
The Prime Minister expressed outrage after police allowed a murder suspect to hold a press conference without handcuffs, emphasizing that all gun carrying licenses in Thailand are now invalid.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- The PM strongly criticized police for letting a murder suspect speak to media uncuffed.
- Declared that all firearm carrying permits in Thailand have expired, making carrying illegal.
- Ordered a suspension of welfare firearms and instructed the RTP chief to take decisive legal action.
Following a shocking murder case where a suspect named Chalong was permitted to hold a press conference in front of reporters without being handcuffed, the Prime Minister reacted with fierce anger. The premier condemned the action as completely unacceptable for a heinous crime that terrorized the public, noting that the suspect was allowed to act as if everything was normal.
The Prime Minister revealed that he had contacted National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kitrat Phanphet, who confirmed that reprimands had already been issued and strict legal procedures would follow. The premier emphasized the urgent need for authorities to handle the case swiftly and decisively.
"How is it possible for footage like that to come out when just hours earlier he went and shot someone dead, and then came to sit at a press conference as if nothing happened? It simply cannot be."
Prime Minister of Thailand
Addressing the legal aspects of firearm possession, the Prime Minister clarified that although individuals may possess weapon ownership documents, carrying firearms in public requires a carry permit—which no longer exists legally in Thailand. All such licenses must be renewed annually; the most recent batches were issued at the end of 2023 and early 2024, meaning they have now all expired. Consequently, anyone carrying a firearm currently is violating the law, potentially without even realizing it.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
This incident marks a critical turning point for gun control enforcement in Thailand, as public confusion often surrounds the distinction between gun ownership and concealed carry rights. By officially declaring that all public carry permits have expired and that carrying weapons is immediately unlawful, the leadership aims to close gaps in the justice system and prevent high-profile suspects from receiving preferential treatment or appearing unbothered before the media.
Regarding long-term preventive policies, the government intends to introduce new regulations or amend existing laws to ensure gun carrying rules have absolute clarity with zero exceptions. Furthermore, welfare firearm schemes have been halted and will not receive any approvals from the administration.
Meanwhile, regarding the political affiliations of the suspect, Anutin Charnvirakul stated that he paid little attention to whether Chalong was still a party member, noting the individual was not an executive board member and held no decision-making power. While party membership rights fall under democratic processes, membership status could terminate automatically due to internal regulations barring members from facing criminal charges or violating the constitution and laws.
Before departing, the Prime Minister met with the Governor of Phuket and other provincial governors attending an OTOP event, explicitly instructing them to establish checkpoints at the district level across the nation to crack down on illegal firearms and arrest violators without exception.
Source: Matichon Politics
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