A gunman was arrested after opening fire at a local government office near Bangkok on Monday, days after a deadly school shooting renewed debate over gun control in Thailand.
The suspect, described as a former lawmaker, reportedly opened fire at a senior provincial official. Two people were injured and taken to hospital.
The incident came days after a shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School left nine people dead, including the suspected 14-year-old gunman, and wounded more than 20 others.
Following the school shooting, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reiterated his intention to strengthen gun controls. Authorities also installed metal detectors and increased security at the school.
Thailand’s Education Ministry has announced plans to develop new school safety protocols over the next three months following the shooting.
The measures are expected to include mental health screenings, emergency response drills, efforts to address bullying and improved detection of weapons and other prohibited items.
The government has also ordered tougher enforcement against people carrying firearms in public places. Police are expected to establish checkpoints and strengthen controls over the possession, carrying and use of firearms.
“No one has the right to carry a firearm, especially in a public place,” Anutin told reporters.
Thailand has one of the highest levels of civilian gun ownership in Southeast Asia. A 2017 estimate by the Small Arms Survey put the number of firearms in civilian possession at around 10.3 million, equivalent to approximately 15 guns per 100 residents.
Thailand’s current firearm licensing system does not require mental health screening for people applying to possess a gun. It also allows people aged 20 and over to own firearms and does not require periodic reassessments of licence holders.
The government’s latest measures come as authorities face renewed pressure to strengthen firearm regulations following a series of violent incidents.
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