Law
DSI Director General Clarifies Firearm Policy for Department Personnel
DSI Director General Ruttapol has reinforced strict regulations regarding the carrying of firearms by department officials.
According to a report by Matichon Online on August 12, 2026, Ruttapol, the Director General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), has issued a directive regarding the policy on carrying firearms among department personnel. Ruttapol emphasized that while some DSI officials are permitted to carry weapons, such authorization is not universal and remains subject to strict oversight.
Under the current policy, any DSI official wishing to carry a firearm must obtain explicit permission from the Director General. This measure is intended to ensure that only authorized personnel possess weapons while performing their duties, maintaining institutional control over firearm usage within the agency.
For residents and travelers in Thailand, this news highlights the ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to regulate firearm possession, even within specialized law enforcement agencies. While this policy specifically concerns internal DSI protocols, it reflects a broader administrative focus on public safety and the professional conduct of state officials.
At this stage, the specific criteria used by the Director General to grant these permissions have not been publicly detailed. Furthermore, it remains to be confirmed how these internal regulations will be monitored or if there will be any changes to the oversight mechanisms for DSI personnel operating in public spaces. Observers are waiting for further clarification on how these directives will be enforced in practice.