Post by : Badri Ariffin

Thailand has suspended the issuing of new firearm licences following the deadly shooting at a school in Nonthaburi, north of Bangkok, in which nine people died, including the 14-year-old attacker.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered the Interior Ministry and police to stop issuing licences to possess, purchase and carry firearms. He also called for tighter controls and stronger penalties related to gun ownership and misuse.

The decision came after the 14-year-old boy shot and killed his grandparents, who had raised him, at their home in Nonthaburi on Friday, August 7. He later went to his school, where he killed six people before taking his own life.

What Happened in the Nonthaburi School Shooting?

The teenager used his grandfather’s firearm to kill his grandparents before going to the Debsirin Nonthaburi school.

At the school, he shot five teachers and staff members. A 12-year-old girl was also wounded in the attack and later died in hospital on Saturday.

Police were still investigating the motive. Authorities said on Sunday that the boy had watched violent videos online and had previously brought an air gun to school.

Officials had also said that the teenager was experiencing academic-related stress, while a classmate reported that he had been bullied.

Thailand Plans Tighter Gun Controls

Anutin said he had previously sought stronger gun controls during his earlier roles as interior and health minister following gun violence in 2022 and 2023.

Those efforts included a temporary ban on new firearm licences, restrictions on imports and a prohibition on people under the age of 20 using shooting ranges.

Despite strict licensing rules on paper, many firearms in Thailand are reportedly unregistered. Local media has described Thailand as having the highest rate of civilian gun ownership in south-east Asia.

Previous efforts to strengthen gun regulations have not stopped a series of shootings.

Government Plans Illegal Gun Surrender Period

The government plans to create a specific period during which people can surrender illegal firearms or inherited weapons that cannot legally be transferred.

According to government-operated news channel NBT World, people who surrender such weapons during the designated period may be exempt from penalties.

Royal Thai Police Commissioner General Kitrat Phanphet has also ordered stricter monitoring of firearms issued to police officers.

Police Target Illegal Weapons Sales Online

Deputy Commissioner General Thana Chuwong has been assigned responsibility for tackling illegal firearm possession and trafficking.

The measures will also target illegal weapons sales conducted through social media and other online platforms.

Another area under scrutiny is the criticised “welfare gun” scheme, which allows eligible public officials to purchase firearms at heavily discounted prices. The Bangkok Post reported that many weapons obtained through the scheme are later resold.

Funerals Held for Shooting Victims

The government’s announcement came as Buddhist funeral ceremonies for the victims continued across Thailand.

On Tuesday, August 11, the white caskets of the teenage attacker’s grandparents were placed at Tem Rak Samakkhi Buddhist temple alongside their portraits before their cremation. Their funerals had lasted several days.

The boy’s smaller casket was placed separately at the same temple and surrounded by white flowers.

Tawee Piewphong, the grandfather’s brother-in-law, attended the ceremony and described him as a quiet but kind person. He said he was shocked by the killings and did not know what had motivated the teenager.

Tawee also expressed compassion for the boy, saying that being 14 was only a small part of a person’s life and that problems could have solutions.

Families Continue to Mourn

The shooting has caused widespread grief in Thailand, with the King and Prime Minister Anutin among those expressing condolences.

On Monday, the attacker’s father said he still did not understand why his son had carried out the killings. He said he was dealing with several emotions, including guilt and heartbreak, after losing both his child and his parents.

Somjai Poosod, whose grandchildren attend the affected school, said she felt deeply sorry for those who were killed. She also said mental health issues may need greater attention to help prevent similar incidents.

#Thailand News #Asia News #Global Updates #World News