No, throwing stars (shuriken) are classified as prohibited weapons under Thailand’s Arms Act B.E. 2477 (1934) and Firearms, Ammunition, and Explosives Act B.E. 2489 (1946), making their possession, sale, or use illegal without explicit authorization from the Royal Thai Police (RTP). Recent 2026 amendments to the Arms Act tighten controls on “edged or pointed weapons,” explicitly targeting shuriken due to their dual-use potential in martial arts and criminal contexts. Violations may result in imprisonment up to 10 years and fines up to 200,000 THB, with stricter penalties for trafficking.
Key Regulations for Throwing Stars (Shuriken) in Thailand
- Prohibition under Arms Act: Shuriken are listed as “Category 3” weapons, requiring prior approval from the RTP’s Office of the Permanent Secretary for transport or display.
- Cultural Exemption Scrutiny: While traditional martial arts schools (e.g., Krabi Krabong) may apply for exemptions, authorities now demand proof of historical lineage and supervised training protocols.
- Border Enforcement: Customs Directive 2025/12 mandates confiscation of shuriken at all ports of entry, with mandatory reporting to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) for potential trafficking links.