Thai Justice Minister Clarifies DSI Firearm Regulations

On August 12, 2026, Thai Minister of Justice Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttapol Naowarat addressed new government measures regarding the carrying of firearms by state officials. The directive, initiated by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, aims to restrict the presence of weapons among government personnel.

Regarding the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Minister Ruttapol emphasized that while the general policy is restrictive, specific internal regulations remain in place for authorized personnel. Officers requiring firearms for their duties must adhere to a two-tier verification system: they must possess a valid carry permit and receive explicit, case-by-case authorization from the DSI Director-General. This applies to both official service weapons and registered personal firearms used during active duty.

For residents and travelers, this development highlights the Thai government's ongoing efforts to tighten firearm control across various state agencies. While this policy primarily concerns the internal conduct of DSI officers, it reflects a broader administrative push for stricter weapon oversight. It remains to be confirmed how these internal DSI protocols will be monitored in practice and whether further specific restrictions will be applied to other law enforcement branches in the coming months. The Minister noted that he personally owns registered firearms but does not carry them in public, aligning with the spirit of the Prime Minister’s recent policy.