Thailand orders nationwide crackdown on firearms and tighter security

Police gather outside the house where a teenage suspect is suspected of killing his grandparents before carrying out a school shooting in Nonthaburi province, north of Thailand's capital Bangkok, on August 7, 2026. The teenage suspect killed his grandparents before shooting dead at least six more people at a school near Bangkok on August 7, police said. - AFP

BANGKOK: The Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) has ordered provincial authorities nationwide to tighten firearm controls, increase checkpoints and patrols, and strengthen security at schools and other key locations following the shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School.

Narucha Kosacivilize, director-general of DOPA, announced the measures on Friday (August 7), saying the department wanted to maintain public order, reduce crime and prevent further violent incidents or copycat cases in other areas.