Thailand bans carrying firearms after multiple shootings

Thailand has banned the carrying of firearms after several shootings that have mourned and traumatized the country. 

Despite the government's efforts to take strict measures to control gun violence following the shooting at Siam Paragon shopping center on October 3, there have been at least two other incidents in Bangkok recently.

The first incident occurred on Saturday, November 11, when a group of teenagers were involved in a shooting in which Maria Sirada Sinprasert, also known as 'Teacher Jeab', who taught computer science at Sacred Heart Convent School, was accidentally shot.

See: One dead and one seriously injured after another shooting in Thailand

She was shot dead in front of TMB Thanachart Bank on Sunthorn Kesa Road and died at the hospital.

On Monday, November 13, in the morning, another incident occurred when two groups of teenagers exchanged gunfire and used explosives.

A 15-year-old 5th-grade student was killed in the crossfire near the entrance of Phatthanakan 53 Road, which is parallel to the Bangkok-Chonburi highway in Suan Luang district.

Police officers at the crime scene where a 15-year-old student was killed in crossfire near the entrance to Phatthanakan 53 Road in Bangkok.

After these incidents, Anutin Charnvirakul, the Interior Minister, spoke out in favor of banning the carrying of firearms for all Thai citizens.

“We cannot allow people to carry weapons, because if students and teachers are shot like this, can society withstand it?”

It's not just about vocational students, it's about everyone," said Mr. Anutin.

Anutin also addressed the issue of more than 10 million firearms legally held in Thailand.

See also this article from February 2020: Thailand, the Land of Smiles and shootings?

He explained that instead of allowing individuals to carry arms to defend themselves, it is essential to strengthen confidence in the law and in the State to guarantee public safety.

He stressed the need for a stricter legal framework.

Namanchu Chuenjit, a parent of a student at the school concerned, expressed deep sadness and concern.

She indicated that her child had never said anything good about the teacher Jeab.

After learning of the incident, she felt sad and said that such a thing should not happen.

“I would like to ask the perpetrator of the offense:”

How do you feel about what you have done?

You have accidentally killed a person who has nothing to do with you.

My child is not doing well because their beloved teacher is dead.

And I'm dying of worry because the police haven't caught the perpetrator of the crime yet.

I told my child not to go to school because I am very worried.

The place where the incident occurred is a regular thoroughfare for students.

Every time students pass by this place, they are all sad », she said.

The Thai government should also tackle the ridiculous custom of encouraging vocational students, who wear distinctive uniforms according to their establishment, to clash with firearms, knives or fists.

The latest victims are linked to this stupid tradition meant to make students more manly, and even the first shooting, carried out by a 14-year-old, is perhaps also linked to this culture of gratuitous violence that seems encouraged or at least tolerated by Thai educational institutions.

See also:

Outrage in Thailand: the perpetrator of the shooting is too young to be punished

Face-to-face with terror in Thailand: new testimonies after the shooting

The perpetrator of the shooting in Thailand called the police to surrender peacefully

Source: Khaosod English