Law
Thai Interior Ministry Orders Crackdown on Illegal Firearms and Permit Backlogs
Deputy Interior Minister Jased Thai-set has directed provincial authorities to strictly enforce firearm regulations and clear pending permit applications within 30 days.
On August 12, 2026, Deputy Interior Minister Jased Thai-set visited Chai Nat province to address regional disaster management and public safety. During his visit, he issued a directive to provincial governors and district chiefs regarding the regulation of firearm possession and carry practices.
Jased emphasized that while the necessity for firearm ownership may vary between rural areas and Bangkok, the Ministry of Interior is prioritizing public safety through stricter enforcement. He ordered local administrative officials to collaborate with relevant agencies to conduct rigorous checks on firearm possession. The directive mandates the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals carrying illegal firearms or those carrying weapons without a justifiable reason, provided they are not government officials.
Furthermore, the Ministry has set a 30-day deadline for local authorities to resolve the backlog of pending 'Por 3' firearm purchase permit applications. This initiative aims to streamline the administrative process while ensuring that all issued permits comply with current safety standards.
For residents and travelers, this policy signals a period of increased scrutiny regarding weapon possession in public spaces. While the directive focuses on administrative efficiency and law enforcement, it remains to be confirmed how strictly these checks will be implemented across different provinces and whether the 30-day deadline will result in a significant reduction of the current permit backlog.