Anyone from Thailand?

[dwtt]

This is not strictly 2nd A. related, so please move if it's not in the right place.
Is anyone here from Thailand and familiar with their gun laws?
They don't allow automatic rifles or rifles larger than .30 caliber, or military style rifles. I'm trying to figure out what their definition of automatic is, and whether or not a semi-auto rifle is prohibited. I'm also trying to figure out if a M1 Garand or a M1A from LRB would be considered a military firearm under their rules. I know I can go ask at their embassy, but they aren't open on the weekends when I have time to drop by, and I don't know how to read their Thai Interior Ministry web site. Thanks for any info.
.

[AJAX22]

Lol, I didn't know that stuff was banned... I know a girl over there who's uncle has all kinds of automatics and pistols...

[Window_Seat]

I know nothing of Thailand's justice system, but I would trust that (like here in PRK), whatever the "authoritarians" don't like, you're basically done, whether it's in the "book" or "not in the book" of rules, and one would need to be sure of what to expect.

Erik.

[Dr.Lou]

Been there a few times. I know about the girls and scuba diving. Other than having to drive on the wrong side of the road, it's a great place.

[appagohm]

I know nothing about Thailand as well but their food is AWSOMe. Stick with the main dishes. lol i know know whats in the other stuff.

[jchen76@gmail.com]

Great food,friendly folks and beautiful women, was there last month. I know they have areas out in countryside where you can shoot full auto weapons at a range. Not sure of pricing. I would imagine it would be hard to get a permit and expensive. 250% import tax on cars, 150% tax on alcohol.

[gunn]

Great food,friendly folks and beautiful women, was there last month. I know they have areas out in countryside where you can shoot full auto weapons at a range. Not sure of pricing. I would imagine it would be hard to get a permit and expensive. 250% import tax on cars, 150% tax on alcohol.

Are you sure you aren't confusing Thailand with another country. I've visited my family in Thailand quite a bit (I used to go back every summer), have been all over, and have NEVER seen such a range. I believe you are talking about Cambodia -- which has huge stockpiles or vietnam era ordinance just ready to be exploited.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=cambodia+full+auto&aq=f

Whereas thailand full auto yields one dude shooting his uncle's forest service HK33.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/169637-gun-laws-in-thailand/

From my own personal experience, the only relatives I knew with firearms were military (several of my cousins and uncles served).
There's really only one area that sells real firearms (not airsoft) in Bangkok -- and that appears to be the Pahurat area (incidently where you can buy fabrics for the missus).

I don't recall ever seeing any rifles available for sale -- mostly it was shotguns and pistols (like Glocks). From what I understand, most civilians have pistols.

-g

[dwtt]

I saw that web site thaivisa and there's nothing from someone with actual experience bringing guns into the country, which was what I was hoping to find here. Anyway, thanks for the advice about the food, girls, and scuba diving. I'll let everyone know how it goes when I go there later this year. I know there's an active IPSC club in Bangkok and I've sent an email to someone there. I'm bringing my guns for IPSC and recreational shooting.

[thomasanelson]

Here is a forum for foreigners living in Thailand (like the Calguns of Gringos in Thailand):

http://teakdoor.com/forum.php

I was there last year doing a movie and did a little research on guns laws. I think you will find official laws/rule fairly restrictive, but you theoretically can get a gun permit from the police. I is doable as a citizen (especially with good cause), but seems very difficult to get one if you are just a resident. If you are a tourist....good luck. That being said, there are a few gun ranges around...one near Pattaya. Also, you can get "movie" props in full auto with a phone call to the right people. We used full auto Tommy guns and semi-auto Garands and M1 Carbines. If you want to shoot...go to Cambodia or Vietnam. Basically anything goes. Just don't get caught.

[C.G.]

There is a range in Hat Yai that used to rent M-16s (three round burst) and was reasonable on prices; haven't been there in a while so I don't know if they still have them. There is a new range by Krabi in Ao Nang near the beach, they do have semi auto AR-15s, but being in a tourist area, it costs almost three dollars a round so I did not visit.