Govt clarifies self-defence stance on gun controls

Officials stress distinction between gun ownership and carrying as tougher law is drafted

The government sought to allay concerns Wednesday that proposed gun-control measures would undermine the public's right to self-defence, stating that no decision has been made to impose a blanket ban on firearms and that public feedback is being considered.

The government's objective was not to revoke the right of lawful self-defence or restrict sporting activities such as competitive shooting, but to place firearm ownership, carrying and use under tighter supervision, government deputy spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana said.

Details of the new legislation were still being drafted following Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's order for stricter gun controls after last week's deadly school shooting in Nonthaburi.

"The prime minister's approach is to draw a clear distinction between the right to possess a firearm and the right to carry or use one," Ms Lalida clarified.

Under the proposed framework, legally owned firearms would remain subject to stricter controls, meaning owners could not freely carry weapons in public or use them at their discretion.

Ms Lalida said the government was addressing both illegal and legally registered firearms at the same time, through tighter controls on licences, dealers, ammunition and shooting ranges, as well as a stronger crackdown on unregistered weapons.

Her comments came a day after Mr Anutin ordered the suspension of permits to purchase firearms and instructed officials to accelerate work on tougher gun-control laws.

Responding to calls for physical and mental health screenings of gun owners and fresh vetting of all licence holders, Ms Lalida said such ideas could be studied but would require careful consideration in terms of legal issues, implementation capacity and fairness.

She refuted concerns that people could lose the right to defend themselves in their own homes.

Current provisions on lawful self-defence under Section 68 of the Criminal Code remain in force, she said, and no new law has been proposed to prohibit self-defence. However, she clarified that self-defence should not be used as a blanket justification for carrying firearms in public places.

"We cannot know whether someone carrying a gun intends to defend themselves, intimidate others or prepare to commit an offence," Ms Lalida said.

The government's aim is not to make law-abiding citizens fear the law, but to ensure people recognise that firearm ownership carries significant responsibilities and limitations, she explained.

"Guns should not be something people routinely carry in daily life or easily display to intimidate others. ….  Our goal is to make Thai society safer by keeping guns out of everyday life as much as possible,” the spokeswoman noted.

The government also recognised concerns from shooting sports athletes and would consider measures appropriate for sporting use. Firearms and ammunition would still have to be properly inspected and stored, but the measures are not intended to restrict shooting sports or limit opportunities for athletes, according to Ms Lalida.

Meanwhile, the Department of Provincial Administration on Wednesday issued an urgent directive to deputy governors across the nation to implement the prime minister's measures on licensing, sales and possession of guns as well as to crackdown on illegal firearms.