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Korat gunman owned 5 guns bought under army welfare program

Korat gunman owned 5 guns bought under army welfare program

13 Sept 13:12 Key points summarised by AI
  • Jakrapanth Thomma, the Korat gunman, legally owned five firearms—three pistols, one shotgun, and a rifle—all acquired through the Army's "welfare gun" program.
  • The "welfare gun" program allows military personnel to purchase weapons at reduced, tax-free prices, often leading to resales and bypassing gun import quotas.
  • Army Commander-in-Chief General Apirat Kongsompong proposed scrapping or tightening control over the program, asserting that army officers are already provided with service weapons.
  • The gunman initiated his rampage by killing his commander and the latter's mother-in-law over a real estate fee dispute, subsequently stealing more weapons and ammunition from an armory.
  • General Apirat offered apologies and condolences, taking personal responsibility for the tragic incident and the lax security that enabled the gunman to steal weapons.
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