Anutin expressed shock at the shooting during the "Chim Shop Chai" event in Korat, stressing the need to reform gun ownership structures. He ordered the director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration to urgently cancel the practice after images surfaced showing a village headmen banquet on Koh Phangan where shotguns were given away as prizes.
At 10:15 a.m. on 13 August 2026 GMT+7, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul gave an interview regarding the shooting incident at the "Chim Shop Chai" event in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The Prime Minister appeared shocked and asked, "Again?" He then shook his head. When further asked if mental health evaluations should be required for gun ownership licenses, the Prime Minister said that structural reform is necessary and is currently underway.
Additionally, Anutin commented on the recent release of images from an event celebrating the 134th anniversary of village headmen in Koh Phangan, Surat Thani Province, where there was a prize draw awarding long-barreled shotguns. He said, he has ordered the director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration to cancel this policy and replace it with other types of prizes. He added that further details could be obtained from Naruetcha Kosaasriwilai, the director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration.