Thai Government Plans to Propose Stricter Gun Control Legislation in September

According to a report by Prachachat Business on August 20, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt has announced plans to present a draft amendment to the Firearms Act to the Cabinet by mid-September. The proposed legislation aims to implement stricter controls on firearm ownership and management.

Mr. Pakorn expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of gun amnesty programs, noting that they often fail to address systemic issues. Furthermore, he indicated that the Ministry of Interior does not support the concept of a government-funded gun buyback scheme, citing the high budgetary costs associated with such an initiative.

For residents and visitors, this development signals a potential shift toward more rigorous oversight of firearm regulations in Thailand. While the government is moving toward legislative reform, the specific details of the proposed amendments and how they might impact current licensing or possession requirements remain to be confirmed. As the draft moves toward the Cabinet review stage, stakeholders are waiting to see the final scope of the regulatory changes. The government has not yet provided a timeline for when these potential changes might be enacted into law following the Cabinet's consideration.