DSI Tightens Gun Carrying Rules, Ruttaphol Confirms Director-General Approval
The Justice Minister clarifies DSI's two-tier gun carrying regulations following the Prime Minister's strict policy and planned security checks.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Ruttaphol Naowarat outlines DSI's two-tier weapon regulations
- Officers requiring firearms must obtain direct authorization from the DSI Director-General
- The Prime Minister mandates random inspections of entourages as parliament opens
On August 12, 2026, Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Ruttaphol Naowarat addressed the Department of Special Investigation's (DSI) regulations regarding firearm possession. This follows Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's strict measures prohibiting officials from carrying firearms, prompting clarifications on how the DSI handles the directive.
Pol Lt Gen Ruttaphol explained that internal regulations permit certain DSI personnel to carry firearms only when they possess a valid carry permit, are actively on duty, and obtain an additional confirmation document, establishing a rigorous two-tier verification system.
Stricter gun control policies for state officials reflect an ongoing effort to enhance public safety and accountability. Requiring multi-layered approvals from top agency executives ensures that firearms are strictly limited to authorized official operations rather than routine daily use, aligning with the broader government agenda.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Regarding additional instructions, the Justice Minister noted that most DSI officers who genuinely need firearms—covering both official issued weapons and personal firearms—must secure formal permission from the DSI Director-General. Sharing his own perspective as a former police officer, Pol Lt Gen Ruttaphol mentioned that he legally owns a registered firearm kept at home with a Por.4 license for asset protection, but since he is not an active field operator, he has never carried it and has even less reason to do so now.
Furthermore, Pol Lt Gen Ruttaphol revealed that during a cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized the policy by announcing plans to randomly inspect entourages and bodyguards. He praised the approach as a beneficial method to verify authentic personnel and prevent impersonation, anticipating active enforcement around the time parliament opens.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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