PEOPLE’S MP Rangsiman Rome took Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to task over his approach to controlling firearms ownership pointing out that it should be specified who is entitled to own a gun and they should undergo a health check before being allowed to do so, PPTVHD36 and Naewna newspaper said today (Aug. 13).
This came after another shocking incident in which six got injured, some seriously in Nakhon Ratichama (Korat) last night after a man, identified as Mr. Nattakit (surname withheld), 32, armed with a home-made pistol and knife attacked participants in “Taste, Shop, Use” event held at Pho Khun Thod Monument.
Initial investigations revealed that the incident stemmed from the suspect’s attempt to steal a motorcycle parked at the event. The owner saw him, and along with event organisers, apprehended him. Enraged, the suspect fled with accomplices, returning later with a knife and the home-made pistol to retaliate by opening fire.
Last week a 14-year-old male student went on a shooting spree at his school in Nonthaburi killing five teachers, a young girl, and injuring over 20 others before taking his own life.
Meanwhile Mr. Narucha Khosasilai, director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration, clarified today that photos of a lavish 134th anniversary celebration for village headmen and subdistrict chiefs at Koh Phangan and Koh Tao islands showing a lucky draw for five shotguns were misleading because the winners did not actually get the weapons but were given goods and cash instead.
He confirmed that the issuance of gun permits (P.3) nationwide has been suspended in accordance with the Prime Minister’s policy. He also stated that police officers are permitted to carry firearms while on duty, but only with a written order from their superior officer
Rangsiman said that everyone is concerned about the recent shootings while pointing out that Thailand is one of the countries with the highest gun ownership rates per capita in the world; this is undeniable.
The recent incidents leading to tragedies demonstrate a clear problem with gun control measures, dating back to the early days of gun shops with there being never-ending debate on this issue.
He emphasised that the crucial task today is to implement measures that ensure the safety of the public, especially those in educational institutions and public spaces. Without such measures people will continue to live in fear.
The People’s MP pointed out that to this day there is no clear direction beyond the statements from Anutin, who simply said, “Don’t carry guns.”
In solving the gun problem, the focus must be on the principle: does the government’s policy actually aim to allow citizens to own firearms? Despite the problem of illegal weapons, it must frankly be acknowledged that legally-owned firearms have also been used in numerous horrific incidents.
Therefore, the authorities have to check where the loopholes lie in legally permitting people to own firearms and why these incidents occur.
It is crucial to identify who truly needs firearms, including police officers. Past policies made it difficult for police officers to borrow state-owned firearms, forcing them to purchase them themselves.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page: People’s MP Rangsiman Rome. Photos – PPTVHD36
Insert: The suspect in Nakhon Ratchasima shooting and the home-made pistol he used. Photo – PPTVHD36
Also read:
Thailand not linking Cobra Gold 2027 war games to US tariff cuts: Ministry
Public urged to urgently update mobile phones
Popular page exposes lucky draw for 5 shotguns at official celebration
Anutin advised against co-piloting F-16 fighter jet
Anutin downplays covert move of Klatham turncoat MPs for Bhumjaithai
Ex-MP literally kills provincial administration head
19 university student groups jointly protest Myanmar leader’s visit to Thailand
Pheu Thai departure from Bhumjaithai-led govt deemed unlikely
Gulf visitor arrivals save Thai tourism from low season disaster
Electricity rate reduced after street lighting charge lifted
