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[POLITICS] · Thailand · 8 sources

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Thailand proposes suspension of firearm permits amid gun violence concerns

Following a recent shooting by a 14-year-old outside Bangkok, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has proposed legislation to suspend the issuance of new firearm purchasing and ownership permits. Additionally, police have been instructed to cease the renewal of existing gun-buying permits.

Traders in Bangkok’s historic gun district argue these measures will not effectively curb violence. Thititorn Bupparamanee, president of the Firearms Traders Association of Thailand, stated that the crackdown misses the mark and warned that restricting legal access to firearms could drive citizens toward the black market.

Thailand maintains one of the highest rates of private gun ownership in Asia. According to 2017 estimates from the Small Arms Survey, the country had approximately 10.3 million firearms in civilian possession, averaging 15 guns per 100 residents.

Entities

Anutin Charnvirakul · Bangkok · Firearms Traders Association of Thailand · Small Arms Survey · Thailand

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