Thailand Tightens Gun Licences, Public Carry Ban

2026-02-20 - 05:33

BANGKOK — 19 February, The government has ordered tighter nationwide controls on firearm licences, suspended the issuance of public carry permits and warned that carrying a gun in public without reasonable cause carries a jail term of up to five years. On 19 February, Caretaker Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul instructed authorities to strictly enforce firearm controls and review the entire regulatory system. The Department of Provincial Administration under the Interior Ministry issued an urgent directive to administrative officials nationwide to strengthen gun control measures in all dimensions to enhance public safety and protect property. Under the order: Firearm purchase licences (Por.3): Local registrars nationwide are instructed to intensify scrutiny of applicants’ qualifications. They must strictly examine prohibited characteristics under Section 13 of the Firearms Act B.E. 2490 (1947), and conduct thorough background checks into applicants’ behaviour, close associates and any links to illegal activities. Oversight of licence holders (Por.4): Local registrars and administrative officers are to monitor those licensed to possess and use firearms through networks of state officials, including subdistrict and village heads, as well as community members. If behaviour is found that could threaten public order, registrars must take decisive administrative and criminal action. Suspension of public carry permits (Por.12): The Interior Ministry will continue its temporary suspension of permits allowing individuals to carry firearms in public, in effect since 20 December 2023. Officials are strictly prohibited from issuing carry permits to members of the public, in a bid to reduce the risk of crime and public violence. “The government reiterates that bringing a firearm into a city, village or public place without reasonable cause is an offence under Section 371 of the Criminal Code and Section 8 bis of the Firearms Act B.E. 2490 (1947),” the statement said. Even those holding a licence to possess and use a firearm (Por.4) are not entitled to carry it in public and must keep it at their residence for the protection of life and property, except in cases of urgent necessity. Violations are punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both, under Section 72 bis, paragraph two, of the law.