Why Thailand Has So Many Civilian Guns
Sunday, 2026/08/23148 words2 minutes1649 reads
Thailand faces serious challenges with gun safety. The country has more than 10 million civilian-owned guns, and approximately 4 million of these are unlicensed. Experts estimate that gun deaths reach between 2,000 and 3,000 each year, though no complete official record exists.
Many gun deaths occur during domestic disputes, arguments over money, or alcohol-related fights rather than robberies. Current laws have significant loopholes. Gun permits can last a lifetime, there are no mental-health checks, and no one inspects safe storage. A discount scheme allowing police and officials to buy guns cheaply has been criticized because some weapons may end up on the black market.
After recent shootings, the prime minister suspended the discount scheme and stopped issuing new licenses. Officials are considering time limits on permits and an amnesty program to collect unlicensed weapons. However, similar promises have been made before, and proposed controls have sometimes been reversed.
