Phuket reviews more than 10,000 firearm possession licences

Phuket authorities are reviewing firearm possession licences after the province issued more than 10,000 permits, an acting provincial official said on 13 August 2026.

Siwat Rawangkul, Muang Phuket district chief and acting Phuket provincial permanent secretary, said the review was ordered by Phuket Governor Chotinarin Kerdsom and was being carried out across the province’s three districts. Officials are checking who holds licences and identifying people who possess multiple firearms. Applicants are still submitting requests for additional licences, but many have not yet been issued, he said.

Authorities plan to invite people who possess several firearms for discussions, according to Siwat. The checks follow an order from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul for relevant agencies to strengthen controls on firearms and address illegal possession.

Police Major General Sinlert Sukhum, commander of the Phuket Provincial Police, said provincial police and local police stations were continuing enforcement and were making arrests in cases involving more than 10 firearms a month.