Thailand Pm Vows Action On Gun Amid Deadly Mall Shooting

Thailand's Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, pledged to implement "preventive measures" in response to a deadly mall shooting incident in Bangkok that claimed the lives of two individuals, igniting fresh debates about the nation's gun control policies. Less than 24 hours after the shooting, Siam Paragon mall, one of Bangkok's largest and most upscale shopping centers, cautiously reopened its doors. This incident marked Thailand's third high-profile fatal shooting in the past four years and has raised concerns about the nation's ability to ensure public safety. The shooting at Siam Paragon has dealt a fresh blow to Thailand's endeavors to revitalize its crucial tourism sector, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin participated in a minute of silence at the mall and extended the government's condolences to the families of the two victims, one of Chinese nationality and the other from Myanmar. He stated, "I am confident Siam Paragon and government officials did their best to minimize the casualties and damage," adding, "Let this be the only time this happens. My government insists we will give priority to preventive measures," although he did not provide specific details. A 14-year-old suspect, a student at a prestigious private school near Siam Paragon, was arrested by the police. Investigators revealed that the boy had been undergoing treatment for mental illness, had ceased taking his medication, and claimed to have heard voices instructing him to harm others. Assistant National Police Chief Samran Nuanma disclosed at a news conference that the weapon used in the attack was a blank-firing pistol modified for live shooting. He emphasized the need to enhance regulations and laws pertaining to firearm control. However, despite previous assurances of tightening gun laws, past tragedies continue to occur. The Siam Paragon shooting unfolded just ahead of the anniversary of a nursery massacre in northern Thailand, and in 2020, a former army officer carried out a deadly rampage at a mall in Nakhon Ratchasima. Thailand has an estimated 10 million guns in circulation, translating to roughly one firearm for every seven citizens, one of the highest ownership rates in the region. While many firearms are smuggled into the country, experts highlight that internet sales are emerging as a significant concern due to a lack of police capacity to effectively monitor the online gun market. The incident at Siam Paragon has exacerbated concerns about Thailand's tourism industry, which is striving to recover from the pandemic. Ensuring the safety of Chinese tourists, a critical market for Thailand, remains a top priority, especially given that one of the victims of the mall shooting was of Chinese nationality. Increased security measures have been observed at Siam Paragon, including bag checks at some entrances, as authorities work to restore confidence in the nation as a safe holiday destination.