Anutin warned during a Bhumjaithai party meeting that ministers, MPs, and political officeholders are prohibited from carrying firearms, as it violates ethical standards. The Prime Minister instructed at the Cabinet meeting to control the entire firearm system, suspend Por 3 licenses and welfare gun programs, and expedite legal reforms within 60 days.
11 Aug 2026 GMT+7 Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, presided over a meeting of Bhumjaithai party MPs to prepare for the 2026 regular parliamentary session, review the MPs' work in their constituencies, and oversee the party ministers' performance.
Reports indicated that during the Bhumjaithai MPs meeting, Anutin warned party MPs against carrying firearms under any circumstances. He emphasized that while legally one might face fines, imprisonment, or court battles, political officeholders are also bound by political ethical standards. Violations could result in loss of political positions and end political futures.
Meanwhile, today, Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, revealed that the Prime Minister ordered the Cabinet to direct relevant agencies to enhance firearm control measures, tackling illegal and unregistered guns through immediate and long-term integrated efforts. This aims to close loopholes preventing firearms from falling into unauthorized hands. Additionally, the Prime Minister is monitoring care, compensation, and psychological recovery for those affected by the shooting at Thepsirin Nonthaburi School in Nonthaburi Province.
Firearm control measures. According to the Prime Minister's directives:
Urgent measures:
1. Suspend new welfare gun programs until further Cabinet resolution.
2. Suspend issuing firearm purchase licenses (Por 3) until further Cabinet resolution.
3. Conduct nationwide audits of Por 3 licenses: registrars must verify outstanding licenses with no sales and report to the Ministry of Interior within 30 days.
4. Organize Por 4 licenses: holders of Por 3 who have purchased guns must apply for possession and use licenses (Por 4) within 30 days of Cabinet resolution; failure to comply will be considered illegal possession.
5. Inspect nationwide gun dealers: the Department of Provincial Administration will verify sales align with Por 3 licenses; discrepancies will lead to strict prosecution. The Revenue Department will audit tax payment documents.
6. Inspect ammunition at shooting ranges: the Department of Provincial Administration, Royal Thai Police, and sports agencies will ensure compliance with laws; violations will be prosecuted strictly, including tax audits.
7. Crack down on illegal firearms: local administration and police will enforce strict prosecution and seek severe court penalties.
Long-term measures:
1. Expedite modernization of firearm laws: the Ministry of Interior will propose amendments to the Firearms Act, introducing electronic real-time license and sales tracking linked with Customs and Revenue departments, enhance firearm identification, regulate dealers’ responsibilities, increase penalties, and submit drafts within 60 days.
2. Require Por 4 licenses to be renewed every three years.
3. Strengthen ammunition control: gun dealers and shooting ranges must reconcile daily sales with inventory.
Ratchada stated that compensation for victims of the Thepsirin Nonthaburi School shooting will be provided from (1) the Disaster Victim Fund, (2) the Ministry of Justice, and (3) the Ministry of Education. The Disaster Victim Fund under the Prime Minister’s Office has approved initial assistance of 1 million baht per deceased victim, totaling six victims. Transfers to the Disaster Victim Fund’s account at the Ministry of Education are underway, with the Ministry of Education coordinating compensation distribution to families.