Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitanilabutr, Deputy Commissioner-General of Police, explained the criteria for police officers carrying firearms, emphasizing the necessity and context of their duties. He also cited Supreme Court rulings confirming that police officers are considered on duty 24 hours a day under the authority and responsibilities defined by law.
Today (14 August 2026), Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitanilabutr, Deputy Commissioner-General of Police (Operations), assigned to oversee crime prevention and suppression, particularly supervising and directing patrol operations nationwide to ensure effectiveness and proper tactics, provided further clarification regarding recent news reports on firearm carrying enforcement measures. He noted some content might cause public misunderstanding that “if police officers carry firearms at night, drink alcohol, or act beyond their duties, they will be prosecuted criminally and disciplinarily without exceptions, similar to ordinary citizens.”
Pol. Gen. Thatchai explained that determining whether a police officer’s carrying of a firearm is lawful cannot be based on any single factor alone. Instead, the context and facts must be assessed case by case, considering the following elements together:
In principle, patrol officers in uniform performing their duties within their jurisdiction are allowed to carry firearms.
This also includes duties requiring firearm carrying, such as undercover operations or investigations outside official hours. Therefore, officers entering restaurants or public places as part of or related to their duties does not automatically mean illegal firearm carrying.
For clarity, the Police Regulations, Volume 22, Chapter 13 (regarding carrying firearms, bayonets, and batons) stipulate that officers needing to carry firearms for official duties must:
This principle aligns with Supreme Court ruling number 9690/2014, which ruled that a police officer authorized by supervisors to carry a firearm for duty and carrying it within the authorized time frame is not guilty of unlawfully carrying a firearm in public areas without permission.
Supreme Court ruling number 13535/2010 states that Police Lieutenant P., as a police officer, has authority and duty to maintain public order and arrest offenders. He also has authority to investigate criminal cases under the Criminal Procedure Code Sections 2(16)(17) and 17 by law. Therefore, Lieutenant P. has authority to arrest, detain defendants, and prepare related documents within his duties, regardless of whether he is officially on duty at the time according to daily reports. Hence, police officers are considered on duty at all times.
In summary, police officers are on duty 24 hours a day under legal authority and responsibilities, especially under the Criminal Procedure Code. When encountering an offense in progress, they have the authority to intervene, arrest, or act immediately to maintain order and protect the public's lives and property.
For police duties in public places such as entertainment venues or restaurants, officers must follow relevant regulations. Firearms must be carried discreetly and suitably for the mission to avoid compromising public safety or confidence.