Phuket Province has issued over 10,000 Por.4 firearm possession licenses. Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum, Commander of Phuket Provincial Police, revealed continuous crackdowns with more than 10 guns seized monthly and preparations to recheck license holders.
On 13 August 2026, following Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's directive at a Cabinet meeting to enhance firearm control measures targeting illegal and unlicensed weapons, multiple agencies are working together to close loopholes preventing firearms from falling into the wrong hands. In Phuket, Governor Chotinrin Kerdsom ordered provincial authorities to intensify inspections by setting up checkpoints and scrutinizing firearm possession licenses (Por.4) issued locally, including how many guns individuals hold. This directive was sent to all three districts, which have begun inspections.
Meanwhile, Mr. Siwatch Rawanakul, Acting Phuket Provincial Clerk and District Chief of Mueang Phuket, stated that after central authorities and the Phuket Governor ordered checks on firearm possession (Por.4), it was found that more than 10,000 licenses for all types of firearms have been issued in the province. They are currently verifying who holds multiple licenses and how many guns they possess, as many more applications are pending but not yet approved. Authorities plan to invite those with multiple firearms to attend awareness sessions.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum, Commander of Phuket Provincial Police, commented on firearm seizures in Phuket, stating that the provincial police and district stations arrest over 10 firearms per month on average, maintaining continuous enforcement efforts.