Events
Department of Provincial Administration Bans Firearms as Awards for Local Leaders
The Department of Provincial Administration has prohibited the use of firearms as prizes for village heads and sub-district chiefs, citing a national policy to restrict weapon circulation.
On August 13, 2026, Narutcha Khosasivilai, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA), announced a strict policy prohibiting the distribution of firearms as awards for village heads (Phu Yai Ban) and sub-district chiefs (Kamnan). This directive aligns with the broader government strategy led by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul to control the volume of firearms in circulation.
As part of this initiative, the issuance of 'Por 3' licenses—required for the purchase of firearms—has been suspended nationwide. The Director-General clarified that while previous regulations allowed for items of equivalent value to be given as awards, firearms are no longer permitted. Future prizes will instead consist of cash or symbolic items like pins. Regarding a recent incident on Koh Phangan where shotguns were distributed as prizes, the department is currently reviewing the situation. Although the awards were presented, the subsequent suspension of all 'Por 3' licenses means the legal process for finalizing these firearm transfers is now blocked.
For residents and visitors, this policy reflects a tightening of gun control measures across Thailand. While the policy primarily affects administrative awards, the suspension of 'Por 3' licenses is a significant shift in national firearm regulation. It remains to be confirmed how the government will handle the specific cases of firearms already distributed at the Koh Phangan event, given the current nationwide freeze on licensing.