Thailand suspends public firearm carry licences for one year
Thailand’s government has ordered a temporary halt to the issuing of Por.12 permits that allow people to carry firearms in public, citing public safety concerns after a rise in gun-related incidents.
- Thailand has suspended the issuance of new licences for carrying firearms in public for a period of one year.
- The measure is a response to violent crimes involving firearms, with the stated goal of protecting public safety and reducing crime.
- The temporary ban was enacted via an official order from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Interior Ministry, published in the Royal Gazette.
Thailand has temporarily suspended the issuing of licences to carry firearms in public, following a new order published in the Royal Gazette.
The Royal Gazette website published an order from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Interior Ministry on February 19, 2026.
The order, signed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, bans authorities from issuing firearm carry licences (Por. 12) for the time being.
The order says the move is necessary because firearms have been carried in public and used to commit violent acts, causing harm to lives, bodies and property and creating fear among the public.
It aims to protect public safety, reduce crime, maintain social order and help restore normal conditions.
The ban is issued under relevant sections of Thailand’s Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, Fireworks and Imitation Firearms Act (1947).
The suspension will be in force for one year, starting the day after the order is published in the Royal Gazette.
