25-10-2023 (BANGKOK) Thailand, known for its picturesque landscapes and tourist attractions, is grappling with a complex relationship with firearms. Recent incidents of mass shootings have shed light on the prevalence of guns, both legal and illegal, in this otherwise relatively peaceful country. The alarming truth is that Thailand ranks high in terms of gun ownership, with estimates suggesting that there are around seven million firearms in circulation, out of which more than one million are undocumented or illegal.
Phairoj Kullavanijaya, a retired government officer, epitomizes the conflicting sentiments surrounding guns in Thailand. While he spends his days tending to his fruit farm in the tranquil province of Chachoengsao, he finds solace in keeping a 9mm pistol by his side. Phairoj, like many others, believes that owning a gun provides a sense of protection in an uncertain world. He acquired his firearm through a government scheme that offers discounted rates to public servants, but he has never had to use it outside of a shooting range.
It is worth noting that Thailand has experienced three major mass shooting incidents in the past three years. These incidents, though less common than in some other countries, have highlighted the issue of gun-related violence stemming from personal disputes, illicit drug trade, and gang activities. While the Bangkok shooting in the bustling Siam Paragon shopping district shocked the nation, it also underscored the widespread presence of firearms in Thai society.
Anchistha Suriyavorapunt, a criminology researcher at Mahidol University, explains that the prevalence of guns is deeply ingrained in rural provincial areas, where people lack confidence in crime control policies and turn to firearms for personal assurance. This cultural acceptance of guns, coupled with the belief that firearms can provide a sense of security, contributes to Thailand’s unique gun culture. The situation is further exacerbated by the availability of illegal firearms, which are estimated to be even more numerous than legally registered ones.
The lack of a comprehensive tracking system makes it difficult to determine the exact number of legal guns in the country. Pol Maj Chavanut Janekarn, a lecturer at Thammasat University, acknowledges that the illegal gun market is growing, as evidenced by the significant increase in illegal gun offenses recorded by the authorities. To address this issue, the Thai government is considering tightening gun control measures, including suspending the issuance of new gun licenses and implementing stricter monitoring of the industry.
However, opinions regarding stricter regulations are divided. While some believe that tightening gun control laws is necessary to curb violence, others in the legal gun industry fear that excessive regulation could lead to a complete ban on civilian gun ownership. Danai Smuthkochorn, the founder of Team Tango, an organization that teaches self-defense and firearm courses, emphasizes the need for enforcing existing laws and cracking down on illicit markets, such as the online gun trade and drug trafficking.
As the nation grapples with these challenges, experts emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach that combines stricter regulations, enforcement of existing laws, and addressing the root causes of gun violence. Establishing a database to track legal firearms could be a crucial step in preventing the misuse of guns and ensuring responsible ownership.
The recent wave of social pressure on gun control has prompted discussions about the urgent need to address the issue of illegal firearms. Failure to take decisive action could result in a crisis. As the government considers its next steps, it must strike a delicate balance between public safety and respecting the rights of responsible gun owners like Phairoj, who believe that addressing the problem lies not in limiting legal gun ownership but in tackling the illegal arms trade and strengthening law enforcement efforts.
