A WIDELY-FOLLOWED Facebook named “Sue Thuean” (Illegible Media) sparked widespread criticism online after posting details and images of a lavish 134th anniversary celebration of village headmen and subdistrict chiefs at Koh Phangan and Koh Tao islands where there was a lucky draw for five shotguns, Amarin TV and Naewna newspaper said today (Aug. 12).
The event was a large-scale collaboration between the local administrations of the two popular tourist islands, held at a government centre. The district chief presided over the function with high-ranking police officers, local government officials, local politicians, and women’s groups attending it. There was also a live concert by a famous folk artiste.
The highlight which was heavily criticised by Thai netizens was a lucky draw for the five shotguns with four going to Koh Tao partygoers and one to Koh Phagan celebrant.
The post subsequently went viral with widespread questions arising about the appropriateness of giving away firearms as prizes in a lucky draw, as well as whether transferring and possessing such weapons comply with government regulations.
Official clarification from relevant local authorities is awaited. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is concurrently the Interior Minister.
This post attracted a flood of comments and among them are the following:
“The head of the Ministry of Interior ordered a ban, but his subordinates distributed guns publicly. Hilarious!”
“Ignoring the Prime Minister 5555. No guns allowed, yet they distributed guns!”
“Oh, are they underestimating their boss? A shotgun isn’t a gun, is it?”
“Now what? The Prime Minister banned guns, but they happen to win one as a prize. This is going to be a tough decision.”
“Amazing…Ministry of Interior team!”
“Different people have different opinions and reasons.”
“Anutin, there were guns at this event.”
“You’ll see things you’ve never seen before.”
CAPTION:
This and Front Page: Lucky draw for shotguns at this celebration. Photos – Sue Thuean
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