The Development of Appropriate Gun Control Measures for Thailand: District Chief and Police Perspectives

Abstract

This study aims to discern impediments to gun control and registration in Thailand. Currently, the Department of Provincial Administration is responsible for issuing gun permits and registration, including those used by law enforcement personnel. In-depth interviews were conducted with executives from the Ministry of Interior and Royal Thai Police with an additional survey conducted with a sample group of 878 district chiefs and 1,465 superintendents throughout the country. The study reveals a spectrum of opinions on this issue, including divergent perspectives from the district chief and the police in Thailand. Moreover, it is argued that tighter gun control and restrictions are needed, as the issuing guidelines for gun registration and permits are lax, creating disparities in terms of who is able to own and operate firearms in Thailand. This is largely attributed to the deeply ingrained system of patronage in the country, which can allow for laws to be bypassed. The study demonstrates overarching issues in gun control measures in Thailand that must be addressed. Chiefly among them are better verification mechanisms for gun ownership and licensing to the establishment of a gun owner database and gun tracking system in order to reduce and prevent gun related crimes.