Thailand has the second-highest rate of gun-related violence in Southeast Asia after Myanmar, which has been wracked by civil war for decades. There are now 10.3 million guns in private hands, including 6.2 million licensed weapons and 4 million unlicensed or illegal guns, according to the Switzerland-based Small Arms Survey. This means it is unknown how many of the owners of those 6.2 million guns were mentally healthy when they obtained the weapons in the first place. It may present an uphill task for authorities to renew all 6.2 million gun licences. Gun-related violence can be reduced if guns are effectively prevented from falling into the wrong hands.

Source: Bangkok Post March 04, 2026 02:56 UTC