Bangkok: The Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration has mandated an immediate halt to the issuance of P.3 and welfare firearms permits, with applicants now required to submit P.4 permits within 30 days or face criminal charges.
According to Thai News Agency, the directive comes as part of a broader initiative led by the Prime Minister, urging all registrars across the nation to enhance control over firearms and expedite legislative amendments within 60 days. Mr. Narucha Khosasilai, the Director-General, has sent an urgent communiqu© to all provincial permanent secretaries, outlining measures to improve the regulation of firearms, including licensing, sales, possession, and the crackdown on illegal arms.
This urgent initiative includes the temporary suspension of new welfare firearms programs and the issuance of Form P.3 firearm purchase permits until further decisions by the Cabinet. Registrars are also required to verify and report the number of outstanding Form P.3 permits to the Ministry of Interior within 30 days.
Additionally, individuals who have already purchased firearms using a P.3 license are mandated to apply for a firearms ownership and use license, known as P.4, within 30 days following the Cabinet's resolution. Failure to comply will result in their firearms being deemed illegally possessed.
The Department of Provincial Administration will also expedite the verification process of firearm and ammunition sales by all dealers to ensure compliance with the issued P.3 licenses. Any discrepancies discovered will lead to stringent legal action. Coordination with the Revenue Department is also planned to assess the tax compliance of the businesses involved.