Hotline 1567 opens as Thailand tightens firearms enforcement
Thailand is tightening firearms enforcement nationwide, with hotline 1567 open around the clock for reports of illegal guns and firearms carried in public.
- Thailand's Interior Ministry has launched the 24/7 hotline 1567 for the public to report illegal firearm possession and individuals carrying guns in public.
- Firearms enforcement is being increased through nationwide checkpoints and roadblocks staffed by both police and provincial administrative officials.
- As part of the crackdown, authorities are urging the public to surrender unregistered firearms and have ordered a future temporary suspension of firearm carry licenses.
The Interior Ministry has stepped up enforcement against the carrying of firearms in public, with provincial administrative officials ordered to work alongside police at checkpoints and roadblocks across the country.
In the latest operation in Phuket, authorities arrested a suspect and seized a CZ firearm and 30 rounds of ammunition found concealed inside a BMW.
The ministry has also opened the 1567 hotline around the clock for members of the public to report suspected illegal firearm possession or people carrying guns in communities and public places.
Nationwide checks target firearms carried in public
Unsit Sampuntharat, Permanent Secretary for Interior, explained that since August 7, administrative officials in every province have been working with police to operate checkpoints and roadblocks, focusing on preventing firearms from being carried in public and strengthening protection for people and property.
The operation followed an instruction from Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
On the night of August 10, administrative officials in Mueang Phuket district set up a checkpoint in Ko Kaeo subdistrict, where officers stopped a suspicious BMW for inspection.
A search of the vehicle uncovered a CZ firearm and 30 rounds of ammunition. The driver, a 29-year-old man, was unable to produce either a licence to possess and use the firearm or a licence allowing him to carry it.
He was arrested and charged with carrying a firearm in public without permission and possessing a firearm without permission. The suspect and seized items were then handed over to investigators at Mueang Phuket Police Station for legal proceedings.
Interior Ministry warns against carrying firearms in public
Unsit stressed that taking a firearm in a vehicle or carrying one in a public place constitutes a violation of the law, adding that self-defence or any other intended purpose cannot be cited as justification.
Anutin has also ordered a temporary suspension of licences to carry firearms, known as Form Por 12, for one year from February 20, 2026. The measure is being implemented alongside continuing checkpoints, roadblocks and joint inspections of suspicious locations.
1567 hotline open around the clock
The Interior Ministry has urged the public to contact the Damrongtham Centre hotline on 1567 if they have information about homes, locations or individuals suspected of possessing illegal firearms, or if they see anyone carrying a firearm in a public place, including at public events or activities.
Once a tip-off is received, administrative officials will investigate and take action within their legal authority, including taking legal action against anyone found to have broken the law.
People who possess unregistered firearms and know they are violating the law are being urged to surrender them to the authorities at any district office. The ministry warned that anyone found committing an offence during an official search would face prosecution carrying the maximum penalty prescribed by law.
