Are Guns Legal in Thailand?

A recent shooting incident in a prominent Bangkok shopping mall has once again highlighted Thailand’s ongoing battle with gun violence. Although many Thais retain rightful possession of firearms, the country still upholds relatively strict regulations for overseeing gun ownership. Unfortunately, the lax enforcement of these rules contributes to Thailand’s woeful status as having one of the highest rates of gun violence in the region.

In response to the tragic shooting incident, the government is considering tightening gun control measures. The Prime Minister has vowed to implement preventive measures to avoid a repeat of similar incidents in the future.

This incident is not an isolated occurrence in Thailand. Recent shootings in the past few years underscore the urgent need for attention to the country’s outdated gun laws. Thailand’s struggle with gun violence is rooted in various causes, including easy access to guns for military and police officers, even in cases where concerns about their mental health exist.

Social media also plays a role, with some attackers live-streaming their acts, mirroring a disturbing trend seen in other parts of the world.

Addressing these pressing issues requires earnest discussions, where changes in legal mechanisms seem unavoidable. The gravity of Thailand’s gun violence problem demands comprehensive and effective solutions.

Understanding Gun Laws in Thailand

Authorization and Basic Rules:

In Thailand, strict regulations govern firearms. Individuals must obtain authorization for the possession, manufacturing, and use of firearms. Carrying guns in public areas without a license is strictly prohibited, with limited exceptions for emergencies and certain officials.

Permitted Purposes:

Licenses are granted for specific purposes such as self-defense, property protection, sports, hunting, and as keepsakes. Guns kept for sentimental reasons cannot be fired, and possessing ammunition for such guns is also restricted.

License Application:

Each firearm unit requires a separate license, with authorization being specific to the named holder. To be eligible for a gun possession license in Thailand, applicants must meet specific criteria.

• Individuals with a history of imprisonment for certain crimes or are discharged from such offenses within the last five years are ineligible for gun ownership.
• This also includes individuals currently imprisoned for violations of the Firearms Act or have been imprisoned two or more times in the past five years for other specified law violations.
• Applicants must be at least 20 years old.
• Licenses are not granted to individuals with disabilities or handicaps unless possession is solely for keepsake purposes.
• Persons deemed incompetent, quasi-incompetent, mentally insane, or deranged are ineligible.
• Individuals displaying behaviors disrupting social peace and order are ineligible.
• Applicants must be employed and receive a regular income.
• A permanent address in Thailand, listed in the house registration for a minimum of six months, is required.

Foreign Ownership:

Non-Thai citizens are not permitted to own firearms in Thailand, emphasizing local control over firearm possession.

Violations and Consequences:

Breaking gun laws in Thailand entails severe penalties, including fines ranging from 2,000 to 20,000 THB and imprisonment for up to 10 years. In extreme cases, the death penalty may be imposed. 

Issues with Gun Laws in Thailand and the Need for Change

Thailand struggles with significant challenges in its gun laws, leading to a range of problems. According to Gunpolicy.org, Thai civilians own more than 7.2 million guns, with an alarming 1.2 million being unregistered and illegal. This largely accounts for the high prevalence of gun violence in the country.

Thailand claims one of Southeast Asia’s highest gun ownership rates, and unlike the United States, the country has stringent laws governing gun purchases. Nevertheless, persistent loopholes worsen current issues and enable the circulation of unregistered firearms. The process of acquiring a gun license is cumbersome, involving hefty administrative and import fees. This complexity could potentially discourage individuals from seeking lawful gun ownership.

Another major challenge is the existence of subsidized guns for police and military officers through a government welfare program which results in the overall high rate of gun ownership. Legal loopholes also facilitate the unregulated online trade of firearms. Regrettably, firearms have evolved into status symbols in Thailand, shaping a culture where they are associated with power and prestige.

Addressing these challenges demands a comprehensive overhaul of Thailand’s gun laws that emphasizes stricter control, thorough background checks, and closing all the loopholes that contribute to the widespread ownership and illegal circulation of firearms.

What Awaits Thailand’s Gun Laws?

Thailand is at a crossroads in its gun control policies, facing challenges and potential reforms. In March 2023, the outgoing Cabinet endorsed a bill to tighten gun laws, accompanied by a 180-day amnesty for unregistered firearms. Unfortunately, this initiative came to a halt with the dissolution of Parliament.

In response to a recent shooting incident, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has announced a series of short-term measures to enhance gun control. These measures include:

• Permit Suspension: Nationwide, firearms registration officials will suspend permits for importing and trading various firearms, both real and imitation.
• Recording Modified Firearms: Individuals possessing blank guns, BB guns, or imitation firearms capable of being modified into real ones must present them for recording at firearms registration offices.
• Customs Department Checks: The Customs Department will intensify checks on the importation of blank guns, BB guns, and imitation firearms.
• Shooting Range Restrictions: The Sports Authority of Thailand will prohibit individuals under 20 years old from entering shooting ranges without permission. Proper registration of guns brought to ranges is mandatory, and taking ammunition out is prohibited.
• Permit Restrictions: Provincial governors will cease issuing permits for individuals to carry guns in public.
• Government Officials’ Guns: While the Ministry of Interior lacks a policy for a general public gun program, government officials assigned to crime prevention and suppression duties are allowed to possess one gun each.
• Gun Shop Permit Suspension: Firearms registration officials will suspend permits for gun shops to import firearms and ammunition until further notice, with no new gun shops allowed to open.
• Crackdown on Illegal Online Sales: The Ministry of Interior will collaborate with the Royal Thai Police and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to crack down on the illegal online selling of guns.

These immediate measures serve to tackle pressing concerns, setting the stage for a more extensive conversation about potential long-term reforms. This includes considerations for amendments to the current firearms law. Experts strongly recommend a revamp of the perceived “relaxed” gun control regulations, focusing on the need for substantial changes rather than the introduction of new ones.

As we closely monitor the evolving landscape of gun control and legal reforms in Thailand, Siam Legal remains committed to keeping you informed with the latest updates. For any inquiries or concerns regarding firearms in Thailand, our team of legal experts is ready to provide assistance and guidance. Feel free to reach out to us, and we’ll ensure that you receive the legal support you need.

Category: Gun Laws