The Prime Minister emphasized strict enforcement against carrying guns outside the home; those who are not officials face severe penalties. He rejected the proposal for teachers to carry guns for self-defense, pointed out that if a gun is stolen and used in a crime, the owner becomes a co-defendant, and confirmed that the injured have been fully cared for, with 1-2 critical cases.
At 14:30 on 8 August 2026 at Muang Thong Thani, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, spoke about his discussion with Police General Kittirat Phanphet, National Police Chief, on the evening of 7 August at the Government House after inspecting the mass shooting scene at Debsirin Nonthaburi School. He said that this incident highlights the need to focus on firearms. He has discussed with Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt the necessity to revise laws, including stricter firearm regulations. He reiterated the importance of setting up checkpoints and that anyone found carrying a firearm in public, in a vehicle, or outside their residence without official duty is breaking the law and will face severe prosecution.
When asked about government shooting ranges and their security, Anutin said that shooting ranges are already regulated under provincial administrative departments. Firearms and ammunition used for practice are registered and kept at the shooting range. Ammunition purchased for practice is also bought there, so control is maintained. Thus, there is no problem. People wanting to practice shooting skills can do so at shooting ranges, but they should not carry guns outside their homes just to feel secure. If a gun is used to resolve conflicts, the user will face harsh penalties.
Asked about the proposal allowing teachers to carry guns for self-defense, Anutin said it is not allowed to have firearms, so teachers cannot carry guns. Teachers are not officials. Regarding illegal or unregistered guns, he said all such weapons must be confiscated. There is no such thing as a legal illegal gun. While he remains in government, anyone possessing illegal firearms who is caught or found during searches will face additional charges. Illegal guns are inherently unlawful. The government expects owners to surrender them to provincial administration offices, district offices, or police stations for recording because illegal firearms are naturally against the law.
Asked how authorities will handle the bullying of the youth involved in the incident, since it might not be limited to this individual and bullying may continue, the Prime Minister said they are waiting for police to complete their investigation and establish facts. He urged against speculation and said only authorized personnel should handle the matter to avoid public concern.
When asked about long-term plans for suppressing illegal activities as discussed by the Department of Provincial Administration, the Prime Minister said it is not only that department but also the police and officials who have received directives and policies to conduct thorough inspections.
When asked how to manage firearms kept at home but not used, the Prime Minister said that all guns must be registered and kept out of children's reach, stored securely. Asked if gun owners and offenders share legal responsibility, he said yes. Even if a registered gun is used illegally or to harm others, the owner is fully responsible. Owners cannot claim their guns were stolen. If guns are moved from their storage, owners must immediately report to the police. If such firearms fall into the wrong hands and cause incidents, the owner will be prosecuted as a co-defendant. Because such incidents recur, the government and the Royal Thai Police will impose severe charges and seek cooperation from prosecutors and courts to strictly enforce laws against those disrespecting laws and endangering the public.
When asked about reports on injuries from the mass shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School, Anutin said all injured have received full medical care. The Ministry of Public Health and related parties are providing comprehensive support, with 1-2 cases classified as critical (red code). When asked if the Prime Minister would visit and encourage the injured, he said he wants them to rest fully.