CRIME

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung has proposed a gun buy-back programme in an effort to curb violent attacks.

The deputy prime minister proposed the idea in the wake of the fatal shooting of Stephen Ashton, 22, who was killed on Koh Phangan in Surat Thani on New Year's Eve.

The British tourist was hit by a stray bullet during a fight between two rival gangs, whose fistfight in a bar turned into a gun battle.

Police have arrested 26-year-old Ekkapan Kaewkla and confiscated a homemade gun from him.

Mr Chalerm said he ordered authorities to step up enforcement against unlicensed guns.

Keeping the streets totally safe, however, would be impossible, he said.

He is mulling the idea of inviting those who have guns to turn them in for money.

Mr Chalerm blamed the gun problem on the previous government, saying it had approved a large number of gun purchases.

He said he had not signed a single gun purchase licence while serving as an interior minister.

"Many weapons are reported stolen, but in fact they are sold," he said.

Mr Chalerm said he also supports declaring tourist zones as weapon-free.

The British authorities have raised concerns about people carrying guns.

Mr Chalerm said violence against tourists has far-reaching economic and social repercussions, and he stressed that tourism is one of the country's biggest sources of income.

The deputy prime minister defended the police, saying they were up to the task of protecting the citizens and maintaining security.

"They are up to the job," he said. "All of them, local and tourism police alike."

He said gun violence had been improving up until a few recent incidents.

On Dec 26, two Russian women were abducted at gunpoint, raped and robbed in Pattaya.

Three men have been arrested for the alleged assault.