Yes, blank-firing guns are legal in Thailand but strictly regulated under the Arms of Category 1, Type 3 classification, requiring permits from the Royal Thai Police (RTP) under the Firearms Act B.E. 2490 (1947) and its amendments. Recent 2026 draft amendments propose heightened scrutiny for blank-firing devices, mandating additional ballistic testing and dealer licensing. Violations risk confiscation, fines up to 200,000 THB, or imprisonment under Section 14 of the Act.
Key Regulations for Blank Firing Guns in Thailand
- Permit Requirement: Owners must obtain a Type 3 Firearm License from the RTP’s Provincial Police Divisions, valid for 3 years and renewable. Blank-firing guns are treated as firearms if capable of discharging projectiles or producing noise exceeding 120 decibels.
- Dealer Licensing: Businesses selling blank-firing guns must secure a Firearms Dealer License from the RTP, subject to annual inspections and inventory audits under the 2026 Draft Amendments.
- Restricted Use: Use in public spaces, near government buildings, or during protests is prohibited. Transport requires locked storage and immediate disassembly if carried in vehicles, per RTP Circular 2025/12.