The Prime Minister has imposed harsh measures to control firearms, ordering a 100% ban on carrying guns outside the home. Anyone violating this will be jailed without bail. He also insisted that shooting intruders inside the house is not allowed.
On 11 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, announced decisive measures to control firearms. He stated the government is pushing to expedite a new firearm law and has ordered the Ministry of Interior and the Royal Thai Police to suspend the renewal of firearm licenses of types P.3, P.4, and P.12 until the Cabinet issues a new resolution.
Mr. Anutin emphasized strict enforcement, saying that currently local authorities and police will set up checkpoints focusing rigorously on firearms and drugs. Anyone found carrying guns outside their residence will face prosecution and be denied bail during the investigation stage, going straight to jail. He warned the public not to believe advice to carry guns for self-defense, noting that firearms are "hot items" that often end up harming their owners.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the total ban on carrying firearms outside the home. The new law will comprehensively prohibit anyone other than state officials on duty from carrying firearms and ammunition outside their residence. Violators will be arrested and sent to jail without exception. The ban also extends to shooting ranges: athletes practicing must deposit their guns at the range and are strictly forbidden from taking them off-site.
When asked if one could shoot to defend oneself inside the home, Mr. Anutin responded clearly that even shooting inside is not allowed. Shooting an intruder inside the house is still illegal, as the law does not provide such protection. Regarding illegal guns, the government plans to issue legislation allowing people to surrender untransferable illegal or inherited firearms to authorities within a set timeframe without penalty.
The Prime Minister also addressed measures within the Government House, preparing orders to inspect officials, close aides, and ministers' followers. If anyone is found carrying firearms without being police or on official duty, they will be held accountable personally. He added that those exhibiting violent intimidation will be thoroughly investigated and have their firearms confiscated immediately.
Reporters asked about asset declarations listing Mr. Anutin's current wife as owning firearms, prompting him to exclaim in surprise, "Then I guess I have to watch out for myself." He revealed that he personally no longer possesses any firearms. When questioned about country blessing ceremonies aimed at dispelling recurring misfortunes, Mr. Anutin replied briefly but poignantly, "Do good deeds."