Police tighten gun controls and security nationwide

Thailand’s national police chief has ordered police units nationwide to intensify enforcement against illegal firearms, ammunition and explosives while strengthening security at schools, shopping centres, parks and other public places.

Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiwpan, deputy inspector-general and spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, said on Tuesday (August 11) that Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet issued the order following a series of violent incidents in which firearms or explosives had been used, causing deaths, injuries and property damage.

The measures have been divided between two deputy national police chiefs, with investigative units focusing on illegal weapons and crime-prevention units strengthening security and emergency response.

Crackdown on illegal firearms

Pol Gen Thana Chuwong, deputy national police chief responsible for investigation work, has been assigned to lead operations targeting offences involving firearms, ammunition and explosives. 

Police units have been instructed to:

• identify and investigate targets linked to illegal firearms, ammunition and explosives;
• conduct searches targeting illegal weapons and related offences;
• investigate illegal sales both on the ground and through social-media channels; and
• combine investigative and crime-prevention resources in nationwide enforcement operations.

The Royal Thai Police’s 2026 operational plan identifies illegal weapons among crimes affecting the public that police units are required to tackle continuously.

Security stepped up at public places

Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, deputy national police chief responsible for crime prevention and suppression, has been assigned to strengthen security at so-called soft targets, including schools, shopping centres and public parks. 

Measures include:

• increasing visible Stop Walk Talk patrols;
• checking for firearms and inspecting suspicious people and vehicles;
• strengthening systems for receiving emergency reports and reaching incident scenes;
• preparing tactical special-operation teams to intervene in serious incidents; and
• increasing security at public locations.

Police units have also been ordered to review and control official police firearms in accordance with regulations.

The Royal Thai Police’s existing 2026 plan likewise calls for Stop Walk Talk patrols, tactical training and improved capabilities for responding to serious incidents.

Pol Gen Kitrat also instructed commissioners, commanders and supervisors at all levels to integrate investigative and crime-prevention units in the crackdown, while requiring officers to follow police tactics and the law strictly.