Thai Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has signed an order to halt the issue of gun licences for a year, the Bangkok Post reported on Nov 23.
The order, known as Por 12, is aimed at curbing gun violence. It is being forwarded to Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for approval.
The ban will take effect a day after it is announced in the Royal Gazette, the Thai government’s official journal.
The gun control measure will not apply to state officials such as the police.
Last week, Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Suthipong Chulcharoen said he instructed provincial governors to inform firearms registrars that they need to stop issuing Por 12 licences. These registrars can include district chiefs and provincial governors.
Mr Suthipong said the registrars also have to stop issuing new licences for the import and sale of imitation firearms to existing licence holders. Those who hold imitation firearms that can be modified into real ones need to register them at their local registrars.
Mr Anutin said on Nov 13 that he was considering prohibiting civilians from carrying guns in public places, VietnamPlus reported.
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People who legally own a gun can currently carry it in public places for self-defence if they have the necessary permit, the report said.
Mr Anutin’s comments followed recent fatal shootings in the Thai capital.
At least two people were killed on Oct 3 when a 14-year-old gunman opened fired at Siam Paragon mall.
A police officer collecting a gun after the shooting incident at the Siam Paragon mall in Bangkok on Oct 3. PHOTO: REUTERS
Early on Nov 11, two rival student gangs clashed in central Bangkok’s Khlong Toei district. A stray bullet killed a teacher.
Two days later, another shooting involving rival youth gangs in the nearby Suan Luang district left one 15-year-old student dead.
‘Natural to own gun for protection’: Why Thais don’t fear guns despite mass shooting incidents
Thailand vows safety for tourists following Siam Paragon mall shooting
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