Bangkok: The Commissioner General of Police has ordered intensified control over firearms and a nationwide crackdown, enhancing security in public places.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan, Deputy Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police, announced that Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police, has directed all units across the country to reinforce measures concerning firearms and upgrade security protocols. This action is prompted by recent violent incidents involving firearms and explosives, leading to casualties and property damage. The directive is in line with the government and the Royal Thai Police's urgent policy to prioritize crime prevention and public safety. Deputy Commissioners General have been tasked with overseeing and controlling these operations.
The Commissioner General has appointed Pol. Gen. Thana Chuwong, Deputy Commissioner General responsible for investigations, to spearhead efforts against offenses related to firearms, ammunition, and explosives. This includes identifying targets, conducting raids, and searching for illegal firearms, weapons of war, ammunition, explosives, weapon replicas, and unauthorized sales of these items both locally and on social media platforms.
In addition, Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitanilabutr, Deputy Commissioner General of Police responsible for crime prevention and suppression, has been tasked with upgrading security measures in public spaces, referred to as soft targets, such as schools, shopping malls, and parks. The strategy involves visible patrols, known as Stop, Walk, Talk, and searches for firearms, suspicious individuals, and vehicles. Rapid response to incidents, prompt arrival at scenes, and the deployment of tactical special operations units are also emphasized. Moreover, all units are instructed to audit and regulate government-issued firearms according to existing regulations.
The Commissioner General also instructed all commanders, superintendents, and senior officers at every level to integrate investigative and crime prevention forces in implementing robust measures to combat offenses related to firearms, ammunition, and explosives, strictly following police tactics and legal frameworks.