Thailand suspends new gun permits after mass shooting

In the week following a devastating shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School, where a thirteen\u2011year\u2011old boy killed nine people, the Thai government has halted the issuance of new gun permits and will not renew existing certificates.

Existing owners are barred from carrying firearms in public and must keep weapons at home or at a shooting range.

Thailand's civil gun ownership stands at roughly 10.3 million firearms, making it one of the highest in Asia.

The Prime Minister promised faster implementation of tougher gun\u2011control laws, including severe penalties.

Police say the shooter taught himself to handle a handgun via social\u2011media videos and was exposed to violent online content, adding that family stress may have contributed.

Authorities are also looking at ways to persuade an estimated four million unlicensed guns to be surrendered.

The Education Ministry has proposed entry screenings at schools to prevent students from bringing weapons.

Officials paid respects to victims at a Nonthaburi temple, and the incident has spurred calls for stricter gun policy.