Firearms Registration


Definition

"Firearms" refers to all types of weapons employ explosions, gas pressure, and other kinds of mechanisms desired, from every or any part of the weapons to drive bullets, as deemed relevant by the Minister and specified in Ministerial regulations.


Person (s) authorized to issue Firearms Licenses

  1. Permission to possess firearms and ammunition.
    1. Firearms Licenses with the Bangkok Metropolitan area will be issued by the Chief of the Registration Division (Central Investigation Bureau) or by an Acting Officer.
    2. Firearms Licenses for areas other than Bangkok will be issued by the Chief District Officer (a local Registrar).

  2. Licenses to carry personal firearms.
    1. Firearms Licenses to carry personal firearms for the Bangkok Metropolitan area and throughout the Kingdom will be issued by the Director-General of the Royal Thai Police Department.
    2. Firearms Licenses to carry personal firearms in areas other than Bangkok will be issued by the Provincial Governor where the applicant resides. The firearms can only be carried in the province where the license is granted

  3. Permission to operate a business relating to firearms and ammunition.

    4. Permission to operate a business relating to firearms and ammunition will be granted by a local Registrar who is appointed by the Minister of Interior.

  4. Permission to operate a business relating to explosives.

    5. Permission to operate a business relating to explosives will be granted by a local Registrar who is appointed by the Minister of Interior.

  5. Permission to possess and transport explosives in the Kingdom.

    6. Permission to possess and transport explosives will be granted by a local Registrar who is appointed by the Minister of Interior.

  6. Permission to import and/or manufacture fireworks.

    7. Permission to import and/or manufacture fireworks will be granted by a local Registrar who is appointed by the Minister of Interior.


The possession of firearms is granted for the following purposes:

  1. Protection

  2. Storage


The procedures to request permission to possess or operate firearms are as follows:

  1. Submit a Por. 1 form indicating the type, quantity and location where the firearms will be obtained. Upon filing for a Firearms License, the applicant is required to submit copies of his/her Identification Card and House Registration Certificate. If the applicant is a government officer, a Letter of Certification from a superior officer is required. If the applicant is a private citizen, a Letter of Certification from the subdistrict Headman or the Village Headman is required.

  2. Qualifications investigation:
    1. Information regarding the personal conduct of the applicant filing for a Firearms License is reviewed (according to the Firearms Act 1947, Section 13).
    2. The living conditions and the environment of the applicant filing for a Firearms License are investigated.
    3. For the Bangkok Metropolitan area, applicants who have never filed for a Firearms License must file a request with the local police, who shall investigate his/her personal conduct, including personal information and assets (If an applicant is a Village Headman, this procedure is not required).
      If the applicant filing for a Firearms License is residing in an area other than the Bangkok Metropolitan area, he/she is required to file a request with the District Registrar who shall himself investigate the case and interview the subdistrict Headman or the District Headman regarding the personal conduct of the applicant. If questions regarding personal conduct arise during the investigation, the District Registrar shall obtain assistance from the Chief of the local police station.

  3. If permission is granted by District Registrar, the District will issue a Por. 3 form to the applicant.

  4. Upon obtaining the Por. 3 form, the person is required to purchase the firearm from a local shop or from a person specified in the Por. 3 form. After that, the applicant is required to submit the Por. 3 Form, along with the purchased firearm and the handbook to the District Registrar to issue the Por. 4 form.

  5. Upon issuing the Por.4 form, the Registrar is required to enter additional information regarding the firearms in the Firearms Registration Book, wherein types and districts are classified.


Transferring ownership of firearms (as indicated in a will)

Upon the death of the firearm owner, the person possessing the firearm is required to notify the local Registrar as follows:
  1. To notify the local Registrar where the name of the deceased person was registered, or
  2. To notify the local Registrar where the Firearms License was registered, or
  3. To notify the local Registrar where the person who possesses the firearms was residing.


Procedures

  1. An heir of the deceased person is required to file a Por. 1 form for firearms possession, as indicated in the will.

  2. A public announcement should be issued to ensure there are no objections from other family members (unless indicated in the will). If there are no objections from anyone within 30 days, the heir will be permitted to possess the firearm.

  3. The old copy of the Por 4. form will be returned to the District Office and a new form will be issued. A District officer is required to enter information regarding the Firearms License in the Firearms Registration Book.


Firearms Relocation

The owner of a Firearms License is required to notify the local Registrar upon relocating the firearm within 15 days of the date of moving. If the person is moving into new area, he or she is required to notify the local Registrar within 15 days of moving into the new area.


Laws and Regulations regarding Firearms Registration

  1. Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, Fireworks, and Imitation Firearms Act 1947.

  2. Order of the National Administration Reform Council No. 44, dated 21 October 1976.

  3. Ministerial Regulations (1947).

  4. Letters of Announcement.

  5. Orders issued by the Ministry of Interior.



Contents