Koh phangan: The Director-General of the Provincial Administration has sent an urgent letter to halt the distribution of firearms on Headman and Village Chief Day in Koh Phangan, and is investigating the district chief and organizers, setting a 7-day deadline. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Narucha Khosasilai, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, has ordered an urgent investigation into media reports concerning an alleged incident at a celebration marking the 134th anniversary of "Village Headman and Subdistrict Headman Day" in Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province. The reports suggest that five shotguns were used as prizes in a raffle at the event. The Department of Provincial Administration considers this matter serious to ensure that firearms handling is conducted legally and in accordance with the policy of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, which aims to strengthen and scrutinize firearm and ammunition control measures, covering all aspects f rom licensing and sales to possession, prevention, and suppression of illegal firearms.
The Department of Provincial Administration has issued an urgent letter to Surat Thani Province, instructing them to suspend the distribution of firearms at the event and to investigate all related facts and circumstances, particularly the actions of the district chief, officials, or individuals involved in organizing the event and using firearms as prizes. Surat Thani Province is given seven days to complete the investigation and report the results to the Department of Provincial Administration promptly for further action. If any illegal, unlawful, or improper conduct is found, strict action will be taken and punishment will be meted out.