A fatal shooting spree carried out by a teenage gunman on the outskirts of Bangkok has triggered Thailand’s government to renew scrutiny of its gun ownership and enforcement rules, leading to preparatory talks over tougher restrictions on carrying firearms in public.
As a potential first step, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he intends to propose a legislation that solely permits on-duty government officials to bear arms and largely ban civilians from causing public distraught while carrying firearms.
Anutin voiced his regrets after the attack, describing the tragedy as something that “shouldn’t have happened”.
“I don’t just feel sorry for the victims but I feel sorry that this happened. How can this happen in our country,” Anutin added.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Extremist group may have influenced Tacloban school shooters, says Philippine Senate
Legal gun involved in fatal school attack
The planned limitations come after a 14-year-old student reportedly killed his 73-year-old grandfather and 74-year-old grandmother using his grandfather’s firearm before causing widespread destruction at Debsirin School in Nonthaburi, where five teachers were fatally shot.
A report from the British Broadcasting Corporation cited that the minor took his own life shortly after the incident.
But his shooting spree has injured 22 people, and increased casualties to eight after a student passed away from severe injuries.
Police Colonel Thadsakorn Konthong later confirmed that the firearm and ammunition were under the possession of the teenager’s grandfather.
Moreover, there were alleged signs that the weapon had been searched for inside the grandfather’s bedroom, based on an initial inspection.
Reports from Thai and international media also noted the firearm was registered legally and had a valid permit.
Shooting renews concerns over gun control
The incident has shed light on the country’s struggles with firearm control while civilian gun ownership is a widespread issue.
Statistics show that about 10.3 million firearms are in civilian possession in Thailand, including an estimated four million believed to be illegal.
However, Thailand’s imposition of up to a 10-year prison term for illegal firearm possession was not deemed sufficient to curb the rise of enforcement concern.
Anutin, a former interior minister, had already implemented measures such as a temporary halt on new gun licenses and limitations on imports.
The police are currently probing the minor’s background and online activity before launching the attack described by the prime minister as “well prepared” with “clear steps and clear goals”.
Authorities discovered devices owned by the teenager that stored videos relating to school shootings in the United States during early investigation.
Relatives gave contrasting descriptions about the minor, with some saying he is quiet and well behaved, while an uncle shared his excessive exposure to violent video games.
The shooting has heightened demands for Thailand to bolster not just gun regulations but also supervision of legally possessed firearms.
READ MORE BY THIS WRITER: Cambodia–Thailand crisis widens with border closures, trade retaliation and political upheaval
Newsjustnews writers 
James Mario Ajero 
Jheruleene Anne Ramos