Phuket slated for ban on firearms

BANGKOK (The Nation): Police will slap a sweeping ban on firearm carrying in Phuket under a plan to strengthen security and orderliness in the island, the national police chief said today. Only police in uniforms will be permitted to carry firearms under the plan, the time frame for implementation of which has yet to be worked out, said Pol Gen Sant Sarutanond. “After the restriction takes effect, police will stop issuing gun-carrying licenses to all local Phuket civilians,” he said. Sant disclosed the gun control plan after a meeting yesterday with Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Interior Minister Purachai Piemsomboon. He said the premier wanted the arms ban to ensure better public safety since Phuket is a popular destination for a large number of local and foreign tourists. Sant said the Royal Thai Police and the Interior Ministry were also planning to set a time frame for those who own illegal firearms and ‘war weapons’ to turn them in to the authorities in exchange for an amnesty.