A 🧵on Thailand's problem with gun violence: 1/9
In the wake of yesterday's shooting, Thailand is once again trying to make sense of another mass killing event. While the Korat shooting forever changed the country, this new event feels different.
#กราดยิงหนองบัวลําภู
In the wake of yesterday's shooting, Thailand is once again trying to make sense of another mass killing event. While the Korat shooting forever changed the country, this new event feels different.
#กราดยิงหนองบัวลําภู
2/9
Over the years, I've been researching Thailand's problem with guns, grappling with why the nation sees high levels of gun violence. There are more guns in circulation than most places in the world.
Over the years, I've been researching Thailand's problem with guns, grappling with why the nation sees high levels of gun violence. There are more guns in circulation than most places in the world.
3/9
Some say these kinds of shootings are symptomatic of the military state -- a product of a system that too often seems to encourage violence. Others say the root of the issue comes down to a deadly combination of unchecked mental health issues and access to firearms
Some say these kinds of shootings are symptomatic of the military state -- a product of a system that too often seems to encourage violence. Others say the root of the issue comes down to a deadly combination of unchecked mental health issues and access to firearms
4/9
Thailand has the second-highest rate of gun crimes in the region. The latest data from Gunpolicy.org says there are more than 10.3 million privately owned firearms in Thailand in 2017.
Thailand has the second-highest rate of gun crimes in the region. The latest data from Gunpolicy.org says there are more than 10.3 million privately owned firearms in Thailand in 2017.
5/9
Contrary to Thailand's public image of a peaceful Buddhist country + friendly tourism hotspot, the Kingdom has some of the highest rates of gun crime in Asia
Contrary to Thailand's public image of a peaceful Buddhist country + friendly tourism hotspot, the Kingdom has some of the highest rates of gun crime in Asia
6/9
Civilians are legally permitted to acquire and possess handguns and low-power rifles like shotguns and .22 rifles and ammunition. But law enforcement and military personnel are incentivised to own guns and access is incredibly easy for officials.
Civilians are legally permitted to acquire and possess handguns and low-power rifles like shotguns and .22 rifles and ammunition. But law enforcement and military personnel are incentivised to own guns and access is incredibly easy for officials.
7/9
Michael Picard from Gun Policy told me years ago: “lax security over military firearms, extortionate dealings by senior-ranking officers with distant subordinates, and special access to personal firearms for security personnel,” are contributing factors to these attacks.
Michael Picard from Gun Policy told me years ago: “lax security over military firearms, extortionate dealings by senior-ranking officers with distant subordinates, and special access to personal firearms for security personnel,” are contributing factors to these attacks.
8/9
In Thailand, guns are idolised as symbols of power, particularly as security personnel hold hegemony in Thai society. Despite tight gun laws, Thailand has a massive black market for firearms, raising the odds for future violent events
In Thailand, guns are idolised as symbols of power, particularly as security personnel hold hegemony in Thai society. Despite tight gun laws, Thailand has a massive black market for firearms, raising the odds for future violent events
9/9
Citizens across Thailand are experiencing a collective trauma. At a local hospital in Nong Bua, Deputy PM, Anutin Charnvirakul says that survivors will be “given the best possible care.”
But it remains to be seen how the state will respond to its hidden problem with guns.
Citizens across Thailand are experiencing a collective trauma. At a local hospital in Nong Bua, Deputy PM, Anutin Charnvirakul says that survivors will be “given the best possible care.”
But it remains to be seen how the state will respond to its hidden problem with guns.
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