Thailand: 4 arrested for selling gun to mall shooter

Four men were detained by Thai police on Thursday on suspicion of selling the teenager who opened fire in a posh mall in Bangkok this week, killing two people and injuring five others, illegally modified firearms. Two of the four were detained in the Thai capital, and the other two were detained in the southern province of Yala on suspicion of selling the 14-year-old, who is accused of premeditated murder and unlawful firearm possession, a modified blank pistol. “There was also livestreaming equipment,” police official Samran Nuanma told reporters outside the home of one suspect, adding that he suspected that sales took place on social media. He stated that the individuals also had illegal guns, tools for altering pistols, and drugs. Although mass shootings are uncommon in Thailand, gun violence and gun ownership are both widespread. Although there are severe ownership regulations, it is possible to modify and illegally obtain firearms—many of which are imported. In an effort to stop the spread of firearms, the authorities has started tightening legal gaps relating to online transactions. “The digital ministry will be shutting down websites selling blank guns,” Jakkapong Sangmanee, the deputy foreign minister, told a separate briefing. According to a statement by Karom Phonphonklang, the government’s deputy spokeswoman, imports of blank weapons, BB guns, and imitation firearms will be prohibited. Additionally, it will halt issuing new import permits and possession licences for firearms. (With agency inputs)