Following a shooting at a school in which a 14-year-old killed eight people before taking his own life, Thailand has taken steps to tighten firearm controls.
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Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has called for the immediate implementation of measures aimed at strengthening gun control nationwide.
Among the decisions taken is the temporary suspension of new permits to purchase firearms. Applications still awaiting approval will also be reassessed.
The government will also end programs that allowed some public officials to buy firearms at reduced prices. Authorities will inspect gun shops and sales records, while inspections will also cover shooting ranges to verify compliance with rules on the use and storage of ammunition.
The measures also call for a tougher crackdown on illegal firearms, as well as more severe prosecution of those who break the law.
More far-reaching legal changes are expected to take longer. These include tougher penalties for violations, stricter oversight of ammunition and a requirement for gun permits to be renewed more frequently.
The incident occurred last week. According to authorities, the 14-year-old first killed his grandparents at the home where he lived and then went to the school, where he opened fire.
Six other people were killed on the school premises, after which the attacker took his own life.
Police said the firearm is believed to have belonged to his grandfather. Investigators also found that the 14-year-old had been exposed to violent material online and had used social media to learn how to use firearms.
The massacre has reignited debate in Thailand over school safety and gun ownership. Thailand ranks among the countries with the highest levels of gun ownership in Southeast Asia, while authorities are considering additional measures to restrict and control firearms.
The Ministry of Education is also expected to draw up new protocols to protect schools. These will include mental health assessments for students, mechanisms to identify and refer at-risk cases, emergency response training and anti-bullying measures.
