The Prime Minister summoned security agencies for an urgent meeting to receive work directives following a mass shooting incident, stressing strict enforcement of firearm laws. He assigned Pakorn to revise and draft new legislation and discussed military transfers, denying involvement in cross-departmental appointments as National Security Secretary.
On 10 August 2026 at 09:30. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul and his wife paid respects to Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana, the Supreme Patriarch, and Somdet Phra Maha Wirawong on the occasion of the 2026 Buddhist Lent Festival at Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram. Before the ceremony, around 08:00, the Prime Minister summoned General Dul Boonthamcharoen, Minister of Defense; Police General Samran Nuanma, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police; and Phumwisarn Kasemsuk, Secretary-General of the Office of Public Sector Anti-Corruption (PACC), to meet at the Ministry of Interior.
Reports indicate the Prime Minister called the meeting to set work policies during a critical period, including nationwide firearm control measures following a shooting incident involving teachers and students at Debsirin Nonthaburi School late last week. Also discussed was progress on investigating local examination corruption, uncovering 5,925 offenders leading to removal of corrupt officials, including high-ranking civil servants. After the meeting, General Dul declined to comment on directives given by the Prime Minister, referring inquiries back to him. Police General Samran briefly stated he would follow up on nominee cases.
Then at 10:00. The Prime Minister told reporters that the meeting at the Ministry of Interior was about discussing the annual appointments and transfers of military and police personnel. He assigned the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defense, Royal Thai Police, security agencies, and the PACC to jointly enforce strict regulations on firearm possession and carrying. He requested prompt action to amend existing laws or propose new legislation as needed, while also emphasizing strict arrests and prosecutions of those carrying firearms unlawfully.
The Prime Minister stressed that no one has the right to carry firearms anywhere, especially in public places. Anyone carrying a gun is breaking the law and will be prosecuted. Claims of self-defense are invalid since the last firearm license was issued three years ago, and licenses only last one year. Therefore, only official government personnel are permitted to carry firearms. He reiterated this point repeatedly.
Additionally, there will be intensified firearm checkpoints, as warnings have been issued multiple times. Regarding the legal framework, Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt is currently drafting amendments or, if necessary, new legislation to be submitted for the Prime Minister's consideration.
Regarding reports that the Prime Minister discussed personnel transfer lists and rumors about cross-departmental transfers involving the National Security Council Secretary-General position, the Prime Minister exclaimed, “Oh, you can't ask about individuals. They are discussing the timeline schedule. Reporters can't ask who will go where and how.”
Furthermore, the Prime Minister revealed that in talks with the PACC Secretary-General, they discussed local civil servant exam corruption. He confirmed that all wrongdoers will be punished, and those whose announced scores do not match will be disqualified. Further prosecutions will follow, with no exceptions. He assured that everything is proceeding as planned and the main culprits will be identified.
When asked about the Ministry of Transport's plan to establish a committee to study a master development plan for the South, the Prime Minister said studies have already progressed somewhat. The government is listening to public opinion and considering economic benefits. Currently, projects that can proceed immediately include part of the land bridge, which will connect the western and eastern seacoasts, accelerate port development, and link missing transportation routes to ensure nationwide and regional connectivity.