Bangkok: A recent poll indicates that 84% of the Thai public supports gun control measures and a significant portion advocates for increased police patrols. According to Thai News Agency, the survey, conducted by the Super Poll Research Institute, reveals a growing public demand for enhanced security measures by the Royal Thai Police during Police General Kittirat Panphet's tenure as Commissioner General.
Dr. Chanvich Ariyawaronan, Acting Director of the Super Poll Research Institute, presented the survey findings on the "Measures of the Royal Thai Police to Crack Down on Illegal Firearms and Restore Public Confidence." Conducted between August 10-11, 2026, the survey sampled 1,045 individuals nationwide, yielding a 95% confidence level and a margin of error of ±3%.
The survey results highlight public approval of the Royal Thai Police's strategies aimed at preventing gun-related violence. It reflects a shift in public expectation towards proactive safety measures, emphasizing the importance of police presence in public areas, swift incident response, and risk mitigation before losses occur.
The study found that increasing police patrols in schools, shopping malls, hospitals, markets, and public spaces received the highest public support at 84.14%. This was followed by rapid response and incident management at 82.41% and a nationwide crackdown on illegal firearms at 80.69%. Equally supported were efforts to monitor and control online sales of firearms at 78.97%.
The survey reveals significant social implications, suggesting the public values the state's ability to foster a secure environment over mere enforcement of laws. The public's focus on "tangible safety" underscores the importance of visible police presence and rapid response capabilities.
Confidence in the Royal Thai Police's measures is highest in prevention before incidents at 80.18%, followed by response speed at 78.97% and overall safety at 78.96%. However, confidence in the seriousness of addressing illegal firearms lags at 70.34%, highlighting a potential area for policy improvement.
The survey's findings suggest a public desire for a comprehensive security system that foresees risks, responds swiftly, and minimizes losses. Public trust in gun control measures implemented under Police General Kittirat Panphet's leadership is strong, emphasizing the need for continuous, transparent, and measurable safety initiatives.
Policy recommendations from the survey propose several strategic initiatives, including a continuous firearms management system, proactive protection zones, improved incident response times, transparent communication of crackdown results, enhanced online arms market control, and a pre-incident warning system.
The survey underscores the public's positive response to Royal Thai Police's gun control and security measures, emphasizing the importance of proactive prevention and swift incident response. As the Royal Thai Police works towards a sustainable safety system, public confidence is likely to grow, supporting the leadership of Commissioner General Kittirat Panphet in the long term.