The Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration has ordered the suspension of firearm distribution at the "Village Headmen Day" event in Koh Phangan and set a seven-day deadline for a fact-finding investigation, affirming that gun control measures must be strictly enforced.
On 13 Aug 2026 GMT+7, reporters reported that media outlets published images and information about the 134th anniversary celebration of "Village Headmen and Village Chiefs Day" in Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province, where five long-barrel shotguns were used as raffle prizes awarded to lucky attendees.
The Department of Provincial Administration has given serious attention to this case and ordered an urgent investigation to ensure firearm-related actions comply with the law and align with the policy of Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, who aims to strengthen and tighten firearm and ammunition control measures, covering licensing, sales, possession, as well as prevention and suppression of illegal weapons.
The Department has issued an urgent letter to Surat Thani Province to suspend the firearm awarding at the event and to investigate all related facts and circumstances, especially the conduct of the district chief and officials or individuals involved in organizing the event and using firearms as prizes.
A seven-day timeframe has been set for Surat Thani Province to complete the investigation and report the findings promptly to the Department of Provincial Administration for further consideration. Should any actions be found to violate laws, regulations, or official orders, the Department will exercise its authority to impose strict penalties.