Announcement of the National Council for Peace and Order

No. 62/2557

Subject: Request for the handover of firearms, ammunition and explosives which are not authorized or cannot be authorized by law

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                   Following the announcement of the NCPO requesting the handover, within 25 June 2014, of firearms, ammunition or explosives used specifically in war, it appears that some individuals remain in possession of firearms, ammunition or explosives which are not authorized or for which authorization cannot be granted by law; and that these have been used to commit offences resulting in the loss of lives and property of the public, contrary to the Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, Fireworks, and the Equivalent of Firearms Act. In order to ensure effective maintenance of peace and order, the NCPO hereby announces as follows:

                   1. Those in possession of firearms, ammunition or explosives which are not authorized or for which authorization cannot be granted per the Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, Fireworks, and the Equivalent of Firearms Act, shall handover those firearms, ammunition or explosives to local officers pursuant to the aforementioned legislation by 25 June 2014. This shall apply only to firearms, ammunition or explosives which are not covered by Order of the NCPO No. 37/2557 dated 29 May 2014 requesting the handover of firearms, ammunition or explosives used specifically in war and by Announcement of the NCPO No. 59/2557 dated 10 June 2014 extending the period set for such handover.

                   2. Individuals who comply with the requirement in clause 1 are exempted from criminal prosecution as stipulated in the Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, Fireworks, and the Equivalent of Firearms Act.

                   3. Failure to comply with clause 1 is punishable by 1-10 years imprisonment.

                   4. This announcement does not apply to offenders under the Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, Fireworks, and the Equivalent of Firearms Act, arrested, charged, or prosecuted before this announcement came into force, and whose investigation or case is still pending.

                   This announcement shall take effect immediately.

                                                            Announced on 11 June B.E. 2557 (2014)

                                                                                    General Prayut Chan-o-cha

                                                                  Head of the National Council for Peace and Order