2-12-2023 (BANGKOK) In a bid to curb the rising menace of illegal firearms, Thailand’s National Police Chief, Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, revealed that a total of 1,320 cases were linked to the illicit sale of unlicensed guns and the possession of illegally owned licensed firearms.
The crackdown comes in response to a surge in firearm-related crimes, notably incidents involving the wrongful ownership of weapons, such as clashes between technical college students from rival schools. Recent occurrences in Klong Toey on Nov 11 and Dusit district a week later have underscored the urgency of tackling this issue.
Pol Gen Torsak acknowledged the existence of an illegal firearms problem in the country and stressed the need for sustained suppression operations to prevent firearm-related crimes. Most incidents, he noted, were associated with unlicensed guns or stolen pistols.
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) is taking proactive measures, with Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, its chief, directing the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) to establish a special police team dedicated to monitoring the online sale of firearms. The ease with which the public, including youths, can access guns online has raised concerns, exemplified by the Siam Paragon shooting on Oct 3 involving a 14-year-old who purchased a modified blank gun and bullets online.
“We want to cut access to these online guns. We aim to catch sellers before they can sell their illegal pistols,” asserted Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop, emphasizing the need for control measures on the government’s welfare gun policy, which allows officials to purchase tax-free firearms.
There have been reports of abuse, with some officials, including police, allegedly reselling tax-free pistols for personal gain, leading to multiple suspensions within the Royal Thai Police since last year.
Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop called for more stringent gun control measures, citing examples from Singapore and Japan, where strict punishments act as deterrents. He emphasized the need for stronger penalties for illegal gun ownership, stating, “When punishment is too soft, people are not afraid of committing crimes. We need to increase punishments for those who own illegal guns because it creates social problems.”
Suttipong Juljarern, permanent secretary of the Interior Ministry, has instructed provincial governors to halt the issuance of licenses for carrying guns. The ministry has also banned the import of blank guns and imitation firearms. Blank gun owners are now required to register with local registrars, and the ministry plans to collaborate with the RTP on the suspension of gun registration in the future.
As part of a proactive strategy, suggestions include setting up checkpoints at busy nightspots or crowded areas to enhance public safety.
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