Thailand’s firearm frenzy: Tops ASEAN in guns, 13th in global tragedy

Photo by Tom Def via Unsplash

Thailand has the most firearms in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and lies 13th in the world for the most firearm deaths according to Switzerland’s Small Arms Survey (SAS).

Following yesterday’s shooting at the Siam Paragon mall in Bangkok, questions have been raised about the ease with which Thais can access and own guns. Locals say that Thai laws on the possession and sale of firearms are not strict enough as a 14 year old boy easily managed to obtain a gun.

In Thailand, people found in possession of a firearm without a permit can face a fine of up to 20,000 baht and a prison sentence of up to 10 years. The process of obtaining a gun permit entails several stages and training.

According to a report by Channel 3, despite the stringent laws regarding illegal firearm possession in Thailand, the issue remains…