Thai Interior Permanent Secretary Orders Strict Gun Checkpoints Nationwide
Ministry of Interior and police step up security measures to curb registered firearm possession following recent violent incidents.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Permanent Secretary Atthasit Sampantharat announced a premier directive from the Prime Minister for joint police and civil checkpoints.
- Authorities highlighted that most weapons used in recent crimes are legally registered firearms rather than illegal guns.
- The government enforces a strict ban on carrying firearms in public spaces with no new conceal-carry permits issued.
The Thai Ministry of Interior is taking decisive action to enhance public safety following direct instructions from the Prime Minister. On August 10, 2026, at 4:00 PM, at the Challenger 2 building of the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center in Muang Thong Thani, Permanent Secretary for Interior Atthasit Sampantharat gave an interview detailing nationwide operations. He stated that local police and provincial administrative officers have been instructed to collaborate closely to establish checkpoints specifically targeting illegal and unauthorized firearm carriage.
A critical issue highlighted by the Permanent Secretary is the shifting nature of weapons utilized in crimes, noting that most perpetrators now use legally registered firearms rather than illicit black-market weapons. Mr. Atthasit pointed to alarming recent incidents, such as the student who used his grandfather's firearm at Debsirin Nonthaburi School, and the shooting incident involving the President of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) earlier that same day, emphasizing that registered weapons require unprecedented levels of scrutiny.
The rising involvement of legally registered firearms in violent crimes points to critical vulnerabilities in domestic weapon storage and oversight. Stricter checkpoints and zero-tolerance policies on public carry serve as vital deterrents to prevent similar tragedies in crowded public zones.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Regarding legal enforcement, Mr. Atthasit confirmed a strict governmental prohibition against carrying firearms in public, noting that conceal-carry permits known as "Por. 12" are no longer being issued to anyone. Consequently, anyone caught carrying a firearm in public will face immediate arrest. Furthermore, strict screening and weapon inspections have been mandated at all government offices and high-traffic public locations. Because recent violence targeted a high-ranking local administration official, heightened caution and security screening have become absolute necessities.
"We have already issued announcements, but there might be a meeting of provincial governors nationwide, which I am currently considering."
Atthasit Sampantharat
Looking ahead, when asked whether the Ministry of Interior would issue a formal ministerial announcement to reiterate the firearms carrying ban, Mr. Atthasit explained that while regulations are already in place, a nationwide meeting with provincial governors is currently under consideration to ensure unified enforcement, especially since many governors were already gathered at the event venue.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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