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Department of Provincial Administration Clarifies Gun Award Policy for Village Heads
The Department of Provincial Administration has confirmed that firearms will no longer be issued as awards to village heads and kamnans, following a nationwide suspension of gun permit processing.
According to a report by Thai Post on August 13, 2026, the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, Narucha, addressed concerns regarding the practice of awarding firearms to local leaders. Specifically addressing the case of Koh Phangan, the official confirmed that the policy of gifting guns to kamnans and village heads has been discontinued. Instead, these awards will be replaced by cash or other items of equivalent value.
Furthermore, the Department has implemented a nationwide freeze on the issuance of 'Por 3' (P.3) permits, which are required for the purchase of firearms. This administrative measure effectively locks the system for gun procurement across the country.
For residents and expatriates, this development signals a significant shift in local administrative policy regarding firearm distribution. While the suspension of P.3 permits is currently in effect, the duration of this nationwide freeze remains to be confirmed by the authorities. Those interested in the implications of this policy change should monitor official announcements from the Ministry of Interior, as the department has not yet specified a timeline for when the permit system might resume normal operations. This update serves as a clarification of current administrative procedures rather than a change in private ownership laws.