Bangkok: The Prime Minister has announced plans to amend the country's firearms laws, explicitly rejecting the notion that teachers should be permitted to carry guns, asserting that they are not government officials. The decision comes in the wake of a recent school shooting in Nonthaburi, which has prompted a call for stricter firearms regulations.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul discussed the ongoing efforts to address the tragic school shooting incident. He emphasized the need to focus on the use and possession of firearms, having already consulted with Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilapraphan on the necessity of enacting stricter firearms laws. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of maintaining checkpoints to prevent unauthorized firearms in public spaces and stressed that such actions are illegal without official duties.
Addressing suggestions to arm educators, the Prime Minister firmly stated that teachers should not carry firearms, as they are not law enforcement officers. He dismissed the proposal as unnecessary and reiterated that all illegal firearms should be confiscated, with no intentions of legalization. Possession of illegal firearms will incur additional charges, and individuals are urged to surrender such weapons to authorities.
Concerning reports that the shooter had been bullied, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of a thorough investigation and discouraged speculation. He urged those responsible to uncover the facts and cautioned against spreading rumors that could heighten public concern. The Prime Minister also outlined the responsibilities of firearm owners, emphasizing that they must ensure firearms are legally registered and inaccessible to children. In cases where firearms are used illegally, the registered owner will be held accountable.
The government, through the Royal Thai Police, is committed to taking serious legal action against those who violate firearms laws, with cooperation from prosecutors and courts. Victims of the shooting receiving treatment in hospitals will be supported by the Ministry of Public Health. When questioned about visiting the injured, the Prime Minister indicated his preference to allow them time to rest.