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In Bangkok’s gun district, traders say Thai crackdown misses the mark
The gun trade is worth about 2 billion baht, traders said, as a new permit crackdown pushes some Bangkok shops to sell bread.
- On Aug 17, Bangkok gun shops are pivoting to alternative businesses like bakeries as an ongoing import ban and permit suspensions force owners to find new revenue streams to sustain operations.
- Authorities implemented these regulations following a 2023 Bangkok mall shooting, with a 14-year-old gunman killing at least seven people this month at a school outside Bangkok, further dimming hopes officials will lift restrictions.
- According to a 2017 Small Arms Survey estimate, Thailand has an estimated 10.3 million firearms, ranking second in Asia for civilian ownership, with more than 6 million registered and 4 million unregistered weapons.
- Shop owner Warintorn Boonyachai began baking bread five months ago to sustain staff salaries, though she remains hopeful the government will eventually lift the ban on legal imports.
- Firearms Traders Association of Thailand president Thititorn Bupparamanee argues permit suspensions fail to curb crime, stating, "They are not fixing the problem at the right places," and may drive buyers toward black markets.
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Total News Sources6
Leaning Left0Leaning Right3Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center, 50% Right
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center, 50% of the sources lean Right
50% Right
C 50%
R 50%
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