Thailand Suspends New Gun Permits After Tragic School Shooting


The Thai government has halted the issuance of new firearm permits and canceled the renewal of existing ones following a 14‑year‑old’s mass shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School, which claimed nine lives.


All current gun owners are now prohibited from carrying their weapons in public and must keep them at home or at a permitted shooting range. The move follows the earlier suspension of gun‑carry permits at the end of 2023.


Officials are urging owners of roughly four million unlicensed guns to surrender them. The education ministry has introduced a new screening protocol at school entrances to prevent students from bringing firearms onto campus.


Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has vowed to accelerate the implementation of stricter gun laws, promising severe penalties for violations. The decision comes amid Thailand’s high civilian gun ownership, estimated at 10.3 million firearms, and repeated incidents of gun crime.


Investigations indicate the shooter had self‑taught gun knowledge through social media, watched violent content, and was under study and family pressure. Authorities are continuing to probe the causes and preventative measures.



Mourners prayer at the scene
Mourners pray for the 12‑year‑old who died after being shot at the school outside Bangkok.