Bangkok: Pakorn is preparing to discuss with the Department of Provincial Administration and the Council of State to amend the Firearms Act, implementing stricter measures similar to those in other countries. This would involve linking the entire system, tracking information from purchase to possession, and requiring license renewals every three years. He acknowledged that a ministerial regulation might be issued first, as amending the law would take a long time.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilapraphan stated in an interview regarding amendments to the Firearms Act of 1947 that discussions will be held with the Department of Provincial Administration, the Ministry of Interior, and the Council of State. The principles will be presented to gather public opinion. He explained that the current law, in use since 1947, has been in effect for decades, and circumstances have changed. Previously, the system was analog, with district officers approving permits and issuing paper licenses. There was no system for tracking purchases, possession, and transfer of firearms. This outdated approach led to problems, necessitating a more rigorous system. This includes designing a system that traces the import of firearms, monitoring firearm store stock, and establishing stricter regulations for firearm sales, similar to those of banks in other countries. The current system needs to be more accountable due to the dangers of firearms, ensuring responsible sa les, proper control over ownership and licenses, and establishing a system for license validity.
He also mentioned the need for a three-year license validity period and stricter controls on firearm transfers, noting that firearms are currently used as collateral for loans, with the pawnbroker holding the firearm. Possession of an illegal firearm is considered unauthorized because it is not permitted. At the same time, its use must be controlled, including how it will be used. Even shooting ranges need stricter controls. Ideally, firearms and ammunition should be regulated, but currently, there is far more ammunition than firearms, highlighting weaknesses in various cases. A single firearm can have 30-40 rounds of ammunition. Therefore, stricter regulations are necessary. This is the principle implemented in other countries.
A reporter asked if the gun ownership permit process would be similar to that of a driver's license. Mr. Pakorn replied that it would have to be. He explained that if you buy a gun from a gun shop abroad, they will know exactly what you're doing, from how you hold the weapon (your finger shouldn't be on the trigger), to your behavior. They have a very high level of responsibility because they are part of the law enforcement effort to maintain social order. Guns aren't pens that can be bought arbitrarily; they are dangerous, and because they can be used as weapons, they must be strictly controlled.
When asked about the issue of "transfer of ownership without actual transfer of possession," which creates a loophole in firearms ownership, Mr. Pakorn stated that all loopholes must be closed. He said that he has instructed a team from the Department of Provincial Administration and the Council of State to study past problems, identify loopholes, and determine how to close them. He explained that the current system is manual, and it's difficult to verify if a P.3 permit (permit) has actually been issued as a P.4 permit (permit), or if it has gone missing. Because everything is checked manually, errors are prone. The Prime Minister has therefore implemented a policy to implement real-time verification. After a gun purchase, inventory must be updated, and a possession permit must be issued. This will allow for tracking who owns the weapons and ammunition, and a continuous monitoring system will be in place. Furthermore, it will be necessary to verify that taxes on gun sales have been paid correctly. This will be a comprehensive system, and initial discussions have already been held with the Revenue Department.
When asked whether a ministerial regulation would be issued while awaiting amendments to the law, Mr. Pakorn said that there might be a plan to issue a ministerial regulation, but they need to discuss it with the Department of Provincial Administration and the Council of State first to determine the best course of action. Because enacting laws takes a long time, it is necessary to issue temporary announcements during the amendment process.