Bangkok: "Siripa" urges the Prime Minister to use reason to solve the gun control problem, implementing a "zero-result" approach with strict screening systems, and avoiding the failure seen in cannabis legalization.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Siripa Intavichean, deputy spokesperson of the Democrat Party, has commented on the Prime Minister's proposed approach to addressing gun control issues. She highlighted that the Prime Minister's newly proposed law, which aims to prohibit 100% of gun owners from taking firearms out of their homes, including restrictions on competitive shooters and shooting during burglaries, might not effectively address self-defense needs at home.
Ms. Siripa emphasized the necessity for the Prime Minister to employ a rational and informed strategy in enacting the new Firearms Act. She called for a comprehensive approach that includes stringent eligibility screening for gun ownership, an efficient licensing system, and regular mental and physical health assessments for gun owners and government officials. Additionally, she suggested that firearm owners should provide evidence supporting the necessity of their gun ownership, and advocated for a 'set zero' approach to gradually register all gun owners into a new, efficient database system. A robust crackdown on illegal firearms is also deemed essential in her proposal.
Ms. Siripa further warned against repeating the missteps observed in the cannabis policy, noting that despite regulatory attempts to control cannabis for medical purposes, it remains easily accessible in practice. She shared her personal experience of purchasing cannabis without a prescription, highlighting the gap between government policy and actual enforcement.