Minister Surasak has called a meeting with the Sports Authority of Thailand and the Shooting Association next week to tighten controls on athletes carrying firearms and ammunition, stressing that these must remain under strict supervision.
On 14 Aug 2026 at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Surasak Pancharoenworakul, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, revealed plans to control firearms used in shooting sports. This urgent issue was recently discussed at the Cabinet meeting on 11 Aug. He said the Sports Authority of Thailand and related associations will be invited to a meeting next week to jointly develop operational guidelines.
Additionally, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed that strict measures be enforced regarding both the use and possession of firearms. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports will focus especially on the Shooting Association, particularly concerning the ammunition used at training facilities, which should normally be practice rounds subject to proper verification.
Initially, athletes will be allowed to carry firearms only along the route between their accommodation and the shooting range. Carrying guns elsewhere—such as to restaurants or tourist sites after training—is prohibited as it falls outside the intended purpose.
Regarding athlete protocols, carrying firearms for training or competition must be properly authorized and clearly registered. It was affirmed that the Shooting Association can continue managing training and competitions as usual, but under strict control measures.
For the international competition scheduled in September, it is expected that regulations will be finalized in time. If not, discussions with relevant agencies will take place to jointly establish oversight measures to prevent disruption to the shooting sport.
Long-term measures include establishing detailed rules, regulations, and standards for close supervision to ensure everyone's safety and align with international standards.