Law
Phitsanulok Authorities Investigate Disappearance of Over 2,000 Firearms
Provincial officials in Phitsanulok have launched an operation following the discovery of 2,255 missing firearms from the official registration system.
On August 22, 2026, officials from the Department of Provincial Administration and the Phitsanulok provincial government announced the launch of the 'Clean Phitsanulok Illegal Guns' operation. This initiative follows the discovery of 2,255 firearms that have effectively vanished from the official registration system, marking the highest number of such irregularities recorded in Thailand.
According to Khaosod Online, an investigation into records from 2020 to 2026 revealed that 2,255 permits to purchase firearms (P.3) were issued, but the corresponding permits to possess and use firearms (P.4) were never finalized. Furthermore, authorities identified that the names of approximately 300 local residents were used to apply for these permits without their knowledge or consent. Officials suspect that these discrepancies involve the forgery of official documents and the falsification of signatures to illicitly acquire weapons.
For residents and visitors, this situation highlights a significant administrative security breach regarding firearm regulation in the province. While the operation aims to address these illegal activities, the full extent of the network involved in these forgeries remains under investigation. It is not yet confirmed how many of these weapons are currently in circulation or if further individuals have had their identities compromised. Authorities are continuing their search of target areas to recover the missing firearms and hold those responsible accountable.