Prime Minister Orders Cancellation of Shotgun Giveaway at Koh Phangan Event

According to a report by Matichon Online on August 13, 2026, the Prime Minister of Thailand has issued an urgent directive to the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration. The order mandates the immediate cancellation of a planned giveaway involving shotguns, which were intended to be distributed as prizes during an upcoming event celebrating 'Kamnan Day' (Sub-district Headman Day) on the island of Koh Phangan.

In response to the Prime Minister's intervention, Narutcha, a representative involved in the event's organization, confirmed that the directive has been acknowledged. Consequently, the organizers are now in the process of selecting alternative prizes to replace the firearms.

For residents and travelers, this development highlights the government's current stance on the public distribution of weaponry at local festivities. While the event itself is expected to proceed, the removal of firearms as prizes reflects a shift in administrative policy regarding public safety and the optics of local government celebrations. At this time, it remains to be confirmed what specific items will replace the shotguns as the new prizes for the event. No further details regarding the original justification for the shotgun giveaway or the specific nature of the replacement items have been disclosed by the authorities.