Bangkok: The Democrat Party (DP) has called on the government to take decisive measures against the online illegal firearms trade, highlighting concerns over the impact of prohibiting gun licenses on police officers' ability to purchase weapons.
According to Thai News Agency, the Democrat Party emphasized the urgent need for the Prime Minister to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and the Thai Firearms Association to address the proliferation of illegal gun sales. They urged the government to revoke P.4 licenses from offenders as a means to curb the illegal firearms market. The party's spokesperson, Mr. Pongsakorn Kwanmuang, expressed concerns over the previous government policy of banning P.3, P.4, and P.12 gun licenses, a measure initiated by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul during his tenure as Minister of Interior. The policy, aimed at controlling firearms, has inadvertently hindered law enforcement officers from acquiring necessary firearms, while criminals exploit online platforms to access illegal weapons.
Mr. Pongsakorn criticized the current policy, arguing that it failed to address the real issue, which is the availability of illegal firearms to criminals through social media. He stressed the importance of controlling legal firearms to prevent them from entering the hands of criminal communities, thereby ensuring that law enforcement officers can adequately equip themselves for their duties.
In a separate issue, Mr. Pongsakorn also addressed the case involving Mr. Chaichana Dechdecho, a party-list MP and deputy party leader, who was charged with assaulting a deputy superintendent at Thungyai Police Station in Nakhon Si Thammarat province. The Democrat Party reiterated its commitment to upholding the principles of justice and dignity within the police force. The party is actively seeking the truth behind the incident, which has been marked by inconsistencies in the statements of involved parties.
Furthermore, the Democrat Party expressed concerns over the lack of allowances for border patrol police stationed along the Thai-Cambodian border. Mr. Pongsakorn highlighted that these officers have not received their daily allowances for over five months, impacting their sustenance and welfare. He urged the government and relevant agencies to provide clarity on the delay and ensure that officers receive their deserved compensation for their service in protecting national sovereignty.
The Democrat Party remains vigilant on these issues and is awaiting a response from the government to address the grievances of law enforcement officers and border patrol police effectively.