The Justice Minister instructs DSI officers — some of whom are authorized to carry firearms — that they must first obtain permission from the director-general. He personally owns a gun at home and holds a valid Por. 4 license, but has never carried it. He views the Prime Minister's policy as a good measure after the order banning officials from carrying firearms.
At 6:35 a.m. on 12 August 2026, Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon Naowarat, Minister of Justice, addressed the case in which Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has introduced measures prohibiting officials from carrying firearms. He was asked whether, with respect to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), he had issued any instructions to DSI officers on the matter. Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon stated that under internal regulations, some officers are permitted to carry firearms, provided they hold a carry permit, are in the course of performing their duties, and have an additional confirmation document — making it a two-tier system.
When asked whether, given the new policy, he would issue any special instructions, Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon said he had instructed the officers — most of whom are DSI officials who are required to be armed — covering both service firearms drawn from the department's inventory and personal firearms, all of which must receive authorization from the director-general.
When asked whether, as a former police officer, the Minister himself owns a gun and how he intends to handle it, Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon said he does own one, kept at home for the lawful protection of property. He holds a Por. 4 license and keeps the gun at home. Throughout his time in government service he was not an operational officer and did not carry a firearm, and now, in his current position, he has even less need to do so.
When asked about the previous day's Bhumjaithai Party meeting, at which the Prime Minister had reportedly reiterated this matter, Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon said the Prime Minister had also stressed it at the Cabinet meeting — stating that even his own entourage would be subject to random checks. He noted that randomly checking members of an entourage is a good practice, as some may be genuine escorts and others may not be, and this will ensure that officials act correctly. He added that he believes there will be actual enforcement operations around the time Parliament opens.
