Thailand has suspended new gun purchase permits and ordered tighter firearm controls following a deadly school shooting that left eight people dead.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul directed government agencies to urgently strengthen firearm controls across the country after the shooting last week, according to a statement from his office, as reported by CNN.

The measures include a temporary suspension of new gun purchase permits and a review of applications that are still awaiting approval. Authorities have also suspended new welfare gun programmes that allow eligible public officials, including civil servants and politicians, to purchase firearms at discounted prices.

Government agencies have been ordered to inspect firearm dealers nationwide and verify their sales records. Shooting ranges will also face inspections to ensure ammunition is being handled according to regulations.

Authorities were further directed to intensify efforts against illegal firearms, prosecute offenders and seek maximum penalties from the courts.

The government said longer-term reforms would include tougher penalties for firearm offences, stricter controls on ammunition sold by dealers and shooting ranges, and more frequent renewal of gun permits.

The measures follow a shooting last Friday in which a 14-year-old boy killed his grandparents at their home before opening fire at a secondary school, killing six others. The teenager subsequently killed himself.

Police said the teenager had previously had an air gun confiscated by a teacher and had used social media to learn how to handle firearms. The gun used in the attack is believed to have belonged to his grandfather.

The shooting has renewed scrutiny of gun ownership in Thailand, which has one of the highest rates of civilian firearm ownership in Southeast Asia. The country has an estimated 15 civilian firearms for every 100 people, while its firearm death rate is second only to the Philippines in the region.

Thailand’s Education Ministry is also preparing new school safety measures, including mental health screening and referrals, anti-bullying initiatives, emergency response drills and stronger checks to prevent weapons and other prohibited items from being taken into schools.

An initial compensation payment of 1 million baht, about $30,166, has been approved for six of the victims, according to the government statement.