Ban on carrying guns from next month

PHUKET: Next month will see the introduction of a ban on the carrying of firearms in public anywhere in Phuket. The ban, Phuket Governor CEO Pongpayome Vasaputi said, applies even to off-duty government officers. Gov Pongpayome, supporting the anti-gun drive announced by the national police chief in March, advised people who have licensed firearms to leave them at home or locked up in their cars. “Do not take guns into public areas such as entertainment districts or restaurants,” he said. He added, “I can confirm that I have not issued a single license to carry firearms since I became governor almost two years ago.” The Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 8, Pol Lt Gen Paisarn Tangjaitrong, told the Gazette that officers would if necessary be brought in from other provinces to ensure the gun-free plan was implemented. “Phuket is a tourist haven and should not have the problem of people carrying firearms,” Gen Paisarn said. The ban will be accompanied by an amnesty period, during which anyone possessing an unlicensed weapon may hand it in to the police without penalty. Details of the amnesty and the new restrictions are to be announced later this month.