Law
New Regulations for DSI Officers Carrying Firearms in Thailand
The Minister of Justice has mandated that Department of Special Investigation (DSI) officers must obtain explicit approval from the Director-General before carrying firearms.
According to a report by Thai Post on August 12, 2026, the Thai Minister of Justice has implemented stricter oversight regarding the possession of firearms by Department of Special Investigation (DSI) personnel. This directive aligns with a broader policy initiative led by Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, which aims to restrict the unauthorized carrying of weapons by government officials.
Under the new mandate, any DSI officer wishing to carry a firearm must first secure formal authorization from the department's Director-General. The Minister of Justice expressed support for the Prime Minister’s stance on this issue, noting that while he personally owns registered firearms for home use, he does not carry them in public.
For residents and travelers in Thailand, this policy shift reflects an ongoing government effort to regulate the presence of firearms among law enforcement and state agencies. While this change primarily concerns internal administrative procedures for DSI staff, it underscores a heightened focus on public safety and the professional conduct of armed officials. It remains to be confirmed how these internal approval processes will be monitored and whether similar restrictions will be extended to other government departments in the near future.