Bangkok: The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, following the Prime Minister's directive, will intensify controls on the seizure of firearms, particularly in government buildings and communities.
According to Thai News Agency, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Arsit Sampanrat, is acting on the Prime Minister's orders to integrate police and local administrative officials in setting up special checkpoints for firearm seizures. The directive comes in response to recent incidents involving registered firearms, necessitating heightened security measures at government buildings and other areas with large gatherings.
Mr. Arsit emphasized the need for intensified nationwide firearms checkpoints, noting that the Prime Minister had directed the police and local administrations to coordinate these efforts. He highlighted recent incidents involving registered firearms, such as the shooting at Thepsirin Nonthaburi School and the attack on the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization chairman, to underscore the urgency of the situation.
The Prime Minister has banned the carrying of firearms, with the P.12 permit no longer being issued, and any individual found carrying a firearm will be arrested. Mr. Arsit stated that government buildings and crowded places would have special weapons checks before entry, following a shooting at the Provincial Administrative Organization.
When questioned about the need for an official announcement from the Ministry of Interior to reiterate the firearms ban, Mr. Arsit mentioned that an announcement had already been made, but a meeting of governors nationwide may be considered to further address the issue.