Thailand's government has announced an immediate suspension of new gun permits following a school shooting in Nonthaburi province, where a 14-year-old student killed eight people and then himself. Existing gun owners are already banned from carrying weapons in public.
Thailand has one of the highest rates of civilian gun ownership in Southeast Asia, with approximately 10.3 million firearms in civilian hands, and high levels of gun-related crime. In response to the incident, the prime minister has promised to pass strict new gun control laws with severe penalties, and the suspension of new permits is the first step in this direction.
Last Friday, a student at Debsirin Nonthaburi School near Bangkok shot his grandparents with his grandfather's handgun before opening fire on teachers and students. The victims included his grandparents, five school staff members, and a 12-year-old girl. Police believe the teenager may have taught himself to use a gun via social media.
Investigators say the boy had watched violent content online and showed a strong interest in handling guns. Additionally, stress from studies and family issues may have contributed to his actions. This incident has once again raised the issue of gun control in the country.