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Tuesday, October 3rd, will forever be etched in the memories of many in Thailand as a day marred by tragedy and disbelief. On this fateful day, a 14-year-old boy walked into the bustling shopping center, Siam Paragon, in Thailand's capital, armed with a loaded Glock 19. The ensuing events left a trail of death and injury, forcing us to grapple with a slew of questions about the circumstances that led to this horrific act.

A Senseless Act

The young boy's rampage began innocuously, as he entered the shopping center's M-floor restroom and inexplicably shot his first victim to death and seriously injured another person. What followed was an indiscriminate shooting spree around the shops, claiming the life of one more innocent person and injuring four others. The police eventually arrived at the scene, and the boy surrendered without resistance, ending his rampage.

Understanding the Unthinkable

The immediate question on everyone's minds is: what could compel such a young boy to commit such a heinous act? How did he come into possession of a firearm and acquire the knowledge to wield it effectively? These questions are complex and may never have easy answers.

Thailand's Changing Landscape

In the past, Thailand enjoyed a reputation for safety and tranquility, but recent events have cast a shadow over this image when a former policeman killed 34 people, including 23 children, during a knife and gun rampage at a daycare centre in northeast Thailand on 6 october 2022, exactly one year earlier this attack.

There was also another incident in the shopping center Terminal 21, 8 February 2020 by a disgruntled army soldier who did a mass shooting that occurred near and in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, colloquially known as Korat. A soldier of the Royal Thai Army killed 29 people and wounded 58 others before he was eventually shot and killed.

The 14-year old boy’s mental health and responsibility

One issue that inevitably arises is whether the boy suffers from a mental illness. While it may be tempting to label anyone who commits such a horrific act as mentally ill, determining his mental state at the time of the shooting will be a critical factor in the legal proceedings.

Also The boy's age, at just 14, raises questions about how the legal system will treat him. Will he be sentenced to prison, placed in child care, or sent to a mental hospital? These questions pose significant challenges for the justice system, as there is a possibility he may serve a shorter sentence than many might expect. These considerations inevitably provoke a range of emotions and opinions among the public.

Searching for Answers

Understanding the motivations behind this act is vital not only for the legal process but also for our collective psyche. Was it a result of mental illness, family issues, exposure to violent video games, or the influence of action movies? Unraveling the complex web of factors that led to this tragedy is a daunting task, but it is one that the victims' families, friends, and the general public desperately seek.

Practicing shooting in Social Media videos

In social media videos, it becomes apparent that the young 14-year old boy had been practicing at a shooting range, indicating some familiarity with firearms. The question that arises is whether someone so young should have access to such training facilities. In my view, the answer is yes, but with stringent controls in place. Let me explain this a bit more.

Handling a firearm is a profound responsibility that demands careful oversight. Those interested in learning about shooting should be encouraged to do so within a structured environment, like a shooting club, under the guidance of experienced adult instructors. This approach ensures that individuals are thoroughly educated about the weapon's capabilities and the paramount importance of safety or as in this case, that he is not allowed to own or carry a weapon but that weapons are to be handled carefully at the shooting club. The opposite would be to allow someone, young or old, access to weapons, without knowledge or education, who then go and buy a weapon on the black market because they did not learn better.

Drawing a parallel to martial arts training, the very first lesson emphasized avoiding conflict whenever possible. In fact, further training wouldn't proceed until this fundamental rule was understood. Similarly, firearm training should commence with a comprehensive theoretical foundation. Prospective shooters need to grasp the principles of gun safety, comprehend the responsibilities that come with firearm ownership, and genuinely internalize these concepts.

For individuals under the age of 18, these controls should be even more rigorous to ensure their readiness to handle a firearm is unquestionable. Safety, responsibility, and proper training should always go hand in hand, especially when it comes to firearms.

Strict Gun Control Laws

Thailand has some of the strictest gun control laws, especially for foreigners who find it nearly impossible to obtain a P.12 certificate to carry a weapon. Despite these regulations, incidents like the Siam Paragon shooting continue to occur. The question arises: should individuals be allowed to carry weapons for self-defense, and what should the law say about it?

To address this issue, it's essential to look at how other countries handle gun control. Some nations, like Switzerland and Israel, have successfully implemented gun ownership with strict training and responsibility requirements. In contrast, countries like the United States have faced significant challenges with gun violence due to lax regulations which is a hot topic in the United States.

The Moral Dilemma

If faced with a situation where you witness a person shooting others and you possess a weapon, what should you do? This is a moral question that weighs the value of intervening to save lives against the potential legal consequences. While intervening could save lives, it could also lead to imprisonment.

Balancing Rights and Responsibility

Personal beliefs vary, but many argue that responsible gun ownership should be a right. However, with this right comes the responsibility of extensive training and adherence to strict regulations, similar to driving a car.

The recent surge in gun violence in Thailand has prompted a nationwide discussion about the balance between safety and personal rights. Stricter gun control laws, coupled with responsible gun ownership, may be the way forward. The decision to intervene in a shooting situation remains a complex moral and ethical dilemma, one that forces individuals to weigh the value of human lives against potential legal repercussions. Ultimately, the path to a safer society lies in a thoughtful and informed approach to gun control and individual responsibility.

A Guide to Staying Safe in Shopping Center Shootings

If you find yourself in a shopping center during an active shooter situation, it's essential to prioritize your safety and the safety of others. Here are some critical steps to follow:

• Stay Calm: Try to remain as calm as possible. Panic can cloud your judgment.
• Hide: If you can't escape, find a secure hiding place. Ensure it's out of the shooter's line of sight and provide as much protection as possible (solid walls, locked doors, etc.).
• Silence Your Phone: Turn your phone to silent or vibrate mode to avoid drawing attention.
• Call for Help: Dial emergency services immediately (191 in Thailand) and provide them with your location and any information about the shooter.
• Stay Quiet: While hiding, stay quiet and encourage others to do the same. Avoid making noise that might alert the shooter.
• Do Not Open Doors: Do not open the door for anyone unless you are certain it's law enforcement. Shooters may impersonate authorities.
• Plan to Evacuate: If it's safe and you have an opportunity, attempt to evacuate. Follow evacuation routes if available, but be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
• Play Dead as a Last Resort: If you cannot hide or escape, playing dead might be a last-resort option.

Remember that your safety is paramount, and it's crucial to stay informed about emergency procedures and evacuation routes whenever you enter public spaces like shopping centers. Remaining alert and prepared can help increase your chances of surviving such a tragic event.

Should We Legalize Firearm Ownership and Carry?

The question of firearm ownership and carrying is one of immense significance, with profound implications for public safety. Currently, a considerable number of individuals possess and carry firearms, but often the legality of such actions remains questionable. Many may own firearms legally but lack the necessary permits to carry them, while a significant portion of those who carry firearms may do so illegally.

The recent tragedy involving the young boy underscores the ease with which individuals can acquire illegal firearms, further emphasizing the need for a comprehensive reevaluation of our approach to this issue.

Given the prevalence of unauthorized firearms in our society, it begs the question: should we consider a more regulated system that allows responsible individuals to own and carry firearms? Such a system would entail rigorous legal registration of firearms and the mandatory acquisition of carry licenses, which, in turn, would necessitate comprehensive training and testing.

The potential benefits of this approach are twofold. Firstly, it would eliminate the presence of ill-informed individuals casually toting firearms, replacing them with well-educated and responsible gun owners. Law enforcement agencies would gain greater control over who can legally possess and carry firearms, ensuring that individuals are adequately trained and responsible.

Secondly, it would level the playing field between law-abiding citizens and criminals. The prospect of potential victims being armed with legally obtained firearms could serve as a powerful deterrent to criminal activity. Criminals would think twice before committing crimes, unsure of the response they might face from their intended victims.

In the case of the young boy, such a system might have prompted him to reconsider his actions, knowing that there could be numerous individuals armed with legally registered firearms prepared to protect themselves and others. This shift in perspective could disempower individuals who believe that carrying an illegal firearm grants them unwarranted power.

In conclusion, the question of legalizing firearm ownership and carry is a complex and contentious one, but it warrants serious consideration in light of the increasing prevalence of illegal firearms and their consequences. Striking a balance between responsible gun ownership, public safety, and individual rights is an ongoing debate, but one that is essential for the well-being of society as a whole.

In closing, I'd like to emphasize that it's crucial to remember that the root cause of this tragic incident lies not in the firearm itself, but rather in the individual behind it.

Perhaps, if there had been different firearm regulations in place within our country, this dreadful event might have resulted in fewer casualties and served as a deterrent to potential future attacks.

While I deeply wish that such tragedies never occurred, it's essential that we take this moment to reflect upon the circumstances and engage in meaningful discussions on how we can prevent such incidents in the future.

Stay safe