Thai Prime Minister vows stricter gun laws after eight killed in shooting

A 14‑year‑old went on a killing spree in the outskirts of Bangkok, first murdering his grandparents on a two‑storey flat, then arriving at Debsirin School in Nonthaburi and shooting five teachers before taking his own life.

The attack left eight people dead and at least 22 injured. Investigations found the pistol used in the crime belonged to the teenager’s grandfather, a legally registered firearm that had been searched inside the family bedroom.

Thailand has one of the highest rates of civilian gun ownership in South East Asia, with about 10.3 million firearms in civilian possession, of which around four million are believed to be illegal. The country’s existing gun laws, which penalise unlawful possession with up to ten years in jail, have struggled to keep firearms out of dangerous hands.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the tragedy was “well prepared” and announced plans to introduce new legislation that would allow only government officials on duty to carry guns in public. He described it as an urgent response to prevent another “well‑prepared” attack.

The shooting has reignited debate over gun control in Thailand, highlighting gaps in enforcement and the need for tighter restrictions on civilian ownership.