Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Monday instructed law enforcement to tighten gun ownership rules and end drug use, after a former man staged a mass shooting at a daycare by a police officer.

Thirty-six people, including 24 children, were killed in a knife and gun attack by a former police officer last week in Uthai Sawan, a town 500km northeast of Bangkok. It was one of the massacres that victimized children the most in recent history.

Prayuth has instructed authorities to proactively investigate and test illicit drug use among authorities and speed up treatment for users, government spokesperson Anucha Burapchaisri said in a statement.

Anucha said the prime minister ordered government bodies to revoke gun licenses from registered gun owners who allegedly behaved in a way that “threatening society” and “creating chaos or unrest”. firearms.

Thai authorities plan to recall weapons from officials and police officers who abused their power or acted aggressively.

Police Chief Damrongsak Kittprapas told reporters that regular mental health checks will also be required for gun license applicants and holders.

Gun ownership in Thailand is high compared to some other Southeast Asian countries. Illegal weapons are common, many brought from conflict-ridden countries.