The Surat Thani governor explained that the distribution of guns at the Koh Phangan "Village Heads Day" celebration was only a symbolic reward. He stated that if prize money is used to procure firearms, it must comply with official government regulations. Meanwhile, the Koh Phangan district chief expressed regret that social media criticism has affected the morale of officials, which could discourage dedicated workers from continuing their duties.
On 13 August 2026, Jumphat Wannachatsiri, Governor of Surat Thani Province, addressed the case of social media images showing the 134th anniversary celebration of village heads in Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province, in 2026, where firearms were awarded to village heads. He clarified that the event took place on 10 August, which is "Village Heads Day." He understood that morning activities proceeded as usual, while the evening featured a banquet to boost the morale of village heads who assist with government work. The entire event, including expenses and activities, was organized by the Koh Phangan Village Heads Association.
The governor further stated that after inquiring with Paisit Thongjerm, Koh Phangan district chief, he learned that cash prizes were given to village heads as encouragement for their ongoing assistance with government duties throughout the year, as part of a long-standing tradition. It was agreed beforehand that the prizes would be symbolized as firearms awarded to winners of a lottery during the banquet, but no actual firearms were handed over. Instead, cash was given to prize recipients, who could decide whether to purchase firearms themselves. The firearms symbolized the prize rather than being literal awards.
"The banquet was held on the evening of 10 August, the same day as an incident in Nonthaburi Province where a provincial administrative organization chief was attacked at work. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul then issued urgent policies regarding the Firearms Act, coinciding with an urgent letter from the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration to governors and district chiefs outlining guidelines. However, the Koh Phangan Village Heads Day banquet had already been completed by then. Photos of the prize recipients circulated on social media, sparking criticism. I have instructed the Koh Phangan district chief to address the incident and strictly enforce the Prime Minister's orders concerning firearm purchase and possession permits," the governor said.
Meanwhile, Paisit Thongjerm, Koh Phangan district chief, revealed that the banquet and prize distribution were organized by the Koh Phangan Village Heads Association. He explained that awarding prizes as encouragement to village heads has a long history, supported financially by local businesses and residents. The prize symbol is a firearm because previously, the Department of Provincial Administration awarded village heads with handguns or shotguns as official position prizes, a practice maintained over time. The village heads association currently awards cash prizes ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 baht. Some recipients have used these funds to acquire firearms for personal use, but all firearm permits are processed according to government regulations without exceptions.
He viewed the awarding of prizes to village heads, who assist with government duties and act as official aides, as positive and morale-boosting. Although village heads have the right to possess and use firearms, all licensing must strictly follow regulations without exceptions. He added that social media criticism sometimes undermines the morale of officials who support government work and could discourage good people from continuing their service, the Koh Phangan district chief said.