Bangkok: Surasak is preparing to summon the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and three shooting associations next week for discussions on stricter controls on athletes carrying firearms and ammunition. He emphasized that this will not negatively impact the athletes, but everything must be under strict control.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Surasak Panjaroenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, commented on yesterday's demand from three shooting associations for clear guidelines on controlling firearms use, which could affect training and competition. The Minister of Tourism stated that this is an urgent issue that was recently discussed at the Cabinet meeting on August 11th. Therefore, to quickly resolve the problem and prevent it from affecting the sports sector, next week he will invite the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and the three shooting associations - the Shooting Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage, the Clay Target Shooting Association of Thailand, and the Practical Shooting Association of Thailand - to a meeting to jointly design a course of action.
Regarding the issue of firearms use and possession, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports will focus on the three shooting associations, particularly concerning the ammunition used at training facilities. Specifically, they will ensure that the practice rounds used comply with regulations. Initially, athletes will be allowed to carry firearms only along the route between their accommodation and the shooting range. They will not be permitted to carry them elsewhere, such as to restaurants or tourist attractions, after practice, as this would be considered a violation of the intended purpose.
Regarding future guidelines for athletes, bringing firearms for training or competition requires proper permits and registration. The shooting association confirms that training and competitions can still be held as normal, but under strict controls. For now, bringing firearms for training or competition may have to be suspended. Please wait for further clarification next week.
While international competitions scheduled for next month (September) are expected to have regulations finalized in time, if the regulations are not yet complete, discussions will be held with relevant agencies to determine joint oversight measures to prevent shooting sports from being disrupted. Long-term measures require establishing regulations, rules, and close oversight standards to ensure everyone's safety and to maintain international standards.