The Deputy Government Spokesperson urged against premature conclusions, emphasizing strict control over both illegal and registered firearms. He noted that legal rights to use guns for self-defense at home remain valid under Section 68, denying any intention to close sporting opportunities or stop shooting sports. He said the public should not misunderstand that the government is enacting laws to prohibit such use.
On 12 August 2026, Ms. Lalida Pertwivatana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, addressed criticisms of the government's firearm control approach. She said the government welcomes all feedback, including concerns about self-defense rights and impacts on shooting athletes, but urged distinguishing facts from interpretations. Since the government is still drafting new legal details, premature conclusions that it will impose a 100% ban or revoke citizens’ self-defense rights are not final legal decisions.
The Deputy Spokesperson said the Prime Minister’s key principle is to impose stricter controls on firearm possession, carrying, and use. He emphasized distinguishing between the “right to own” and the “right to carry and use” firearms, which are not identical. Having a legally registered firearm does not automatically grant the right to carry it publicly or use it at will.
“The crucial point is that the government does not prioritize dealing with legal or illegal guns first; it must address both. Illegal firearms are already unlawful and must be strictly suppressed. Meanwhile, firearms within the system require diligent inspection and control over carrying and use. Since firearms are weapons, they must be regulated; when guns are used in crimes, what is at stake is not just a license but the lives of the people,” the Deputy Spokesperson said.
Ms. Lalida added that on 11 August, the government implemented multiple simultaneous measures including suspending new welfare gun programs, halting and reviewing firearm purchase permits (Por 3), reorganizing related licenses, inspecting firearm and ammunition dealers, auditing firearms and ammunition at shooting ranges, linking databases electronically, and vigorously cracking down on illegal firearms.
“Therefore, questions about why the government does not solely focus on illegal guns may overlook the full scope of measures, as the government is addressing both sides simultaneously. We cannot allow illegal guns to persist, nor should ‘registered guns’ be misunderstood as permission to carry or use them anywhere or anytime,” the Deputy Spokesperson said.
Regarding proposals to upgrade firearm owner screening, background checks, database development, and crackdowns on illegal guns, the Deputy Spokesperson said the government listens and that many of these align with ongoing measures. Suggestions about physical and mental health checks or resetting the system to reassess all firearm owners can be studied, but require thorough legal review, impact assessment, agency readiness, and fairness before implementation.
“Public safety is not about competing over who proposes stricter rules. If a proposal is good and feasible, the government is willing to consider it. But before accusing the government of acting emotionally, please review all measures comprehensively. The government is managing licenses, dealers, ammunition, databases, registered firearms, and illegal guns—covering the entire process from start to finish,” the Deputy Spokesperson said.
Addressing concerns that citizens might be unable to use firearms for self-defense even inside their homes, the Deputy Government Spokesperson reaffirmed that the government’s policy does not override current law. The legal principle of justifiable defense under Criminal Code Section 68 remains in effect. Determining whether force or firearms use in any incident is lawful depends on the facts and proportionality in each case.
“Therefore, the public should not be led to believe the government is passing laws banning self-defense at home, as no such new law exists. Conversely, claiming that owning a gun for self-defense should justify carrying it in public should not be accepted, since it is impossible to tell from seeing someone with a gun whether they carry for protection, intimidation, or intent to commit a crime,” the Deputy Spokesperson said.
Regarding shooting athletes, the government acknowledges concerns and will consider details appropriate for sports use. The Prime Minister’s proposal to inspect and store firearms and ammunition at suitable locations is part of improving oversight, not a conclusion to end shooting sports or restrict sports opportunities.
On comparisons between cannabis policy and firearm control, the Deputy Spokesperson said these should be considered separately based on facts and laws. If any cannabis retailers or operators violate regulations, the government urges reporting evidence to responsible agencies for legal action. Using isolated cases to judge overall policies or preemptively conclude firearm controls will fail is unfair to the facts of both issues.
The Deputy Spokesperson added that the government agrees that legislation alone is insufficient. The state must clearly communicate to the public which firearm possession, carrying, movement, and use are permitted or illegal, while promoting public reporting of illegal firearms.
“The government’s goal is not to make law-abiding people fear the law, but to raise awareness that firearm ownership carries significant restrictions and responsibilities. Guns should not be carried daily or brandished as threats casually. The government will control possession, carrying, use, trade, and ammunition from start to finish and strictly suppress illegal firearms. Ultimately, the goal is not to win political debates but to remove guns from daily life as much as possible and make Thai society safer,” the Deputy Spokesperson said.