No, owning a flamethrower in Thailand is prohibited under the Firearms Act B.E. 2477 (1934) and Explosives Act B.E. 2480 (1937), classifying it as an unlicensed incendiary weapon. The Royal Thai Police, under the Department of Provincial Administration, enforces these restrictions, with no civilian permits issued for flamethrowers. Recent 2026 amendments to the Weapons Control Act further tightened oversight, requiring explosive devices to be registered with the Ministry of Interior—a process incompatible with flamethrowers.
Key Regulations for Owning a Flamethrower in Thailand
- Absolute Prohibition: Flamethrowers are categorized as “dangerous weapons” under the Firearms Act, barring civilian ownership without exception. Violations may result in imprisonment (up to 10 years) or fines (up to 200,000 THB) under Section 26 of the Act.
- Explosives Act Compliance: The Explosives Act mandates permits for controlled substances, but flamethrowers’ fuel mixtures (e.g., napalm or gasoline blends) fall under “incendiary explosives,” requiring Ministry of Industry approval—unattainable for private use.
- Local Enforcement: Provincial police units, per Circular Order 2026/12, conduct periodic inspections of weapon storage facilities, with flamethrowers subject to immediate confiscation if discovered. Tourists or expatriates face deportation under Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) for possession.