Thai PM Shocked by School Shooting, Backs Tougher Gun Rules

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed deep shock and grief following a devastating school shooting in Nonthaburi, Thailand, reinforcing the government's stance on strengthening firearm regulations. Upon receiving a report of the incident, the Prime Minister immediately ordered urgent assistance for the injured and dispatched relevant agencies to the scene. "It is a terrible incident," the Prime Minister stated, extending his condolences to the victims and their families. "How could something like this happen in our country?" he questioned, adding that such incidents underscore the government's policy against making firearm carrying and possession permits easier to obtain. When asked about potential action against the suspect's parents regarding the firearm issue, the Prime Minister did not provide an answer and left the interview promptly. These remarks came after Anutin attended the Prime Minister's Export Award 2026 ceremony. Following the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry briefed the Prime Minister on the situation, leading to instructions for Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwannachawee to travel to the scene. Polapee stated that he would inspect the situation and investigate how the student obtained the firearm, including its ownership and how it came into the suspect's possession. He added that authorities would need to wait until the situation was under control before examining the weapon's registration details and tracing its origin. "The Prime Minister's policy is clear — firearm permits should be difficult to obtain," Polapee said. He also noted that officials had not yet determined whether the firearm involved was a modified weapon and that further inspection was required to establish the facts.