By Linda Khoo Hui Li
BANGKOK, Oct 11 (NNN-Bernama) — Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan o-cha has ordered enforcement authorities to tighten gun ownership and crack down on firearms trade and drug trafficking in the country following a shooting rampage by a sacked policeman at a childcare centre in Uthai Sawan last week.
He has instructed relevant authorities to investigate and revoke the gun licences of owners who reportedly create chaos and threaten society, Acting Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said.
“The prime minister also ordered authorities to crack down on firearms trade and trafficking in the kingdom,” he said in a statement.
Anucha said Prayuth also instructed authorities to launch operations and take stern action to curb drug abuse in the kingdom.
Agencies have been urged to step up treatment including setting up rehabilitation facilities for drug addicts.
Meanwhile, National police chief Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapat said the Royal Thai Police will recall guns from officials and police officers who have misused their firearms or showed aggressive behaviour whilst on duty.
He said regular mental health checks are required for gun licence holders.
“Prime Minister (Prayuth) will chair a meeting to further discuss gun ownership control on Wednesday,” he said.
Last Thursday, a sacked policeman killed 36 people – including 24 children – in Uthai Sawan in Nong Bua Lamphu province, about 500 km northeast of Bangkok.
The 34-year-old man killed 23 children who were sleeping after lunch at the childcare centre.
The perpetrator later fled the scene in a vehicle, went home, and killed his wife and son before fatally shooting himself.
Gun ownership in Thailand is one of the highest in Southeast Asia. Small Arms Survey in 2017 estimated that guns held by civilians in the country were 10.3 million including about 4 million which were illegal.
— NNN-BERNAMA