Thailand's prime minister has ordered a comprehensive crackdown on guns and drugs following last week's mass killing at a nursery that left dozens of children dead.

Prayut Chan-o-cha gave the order at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday. He instructed the relevant agencies to revoke the gun licenses of owners who behave aggressively or pose a threat to society. Prayut also told them to step up efforts to prevent illegal drug trading.

A former policeman armed with guns attacked the facility in Thailand's northeast on Thursday. Panya Khamrab also had a knife which he reportedly used to kill most of the child victims. 36 people including 24 children died.

Investigators say Panya purchased the gun legally. He was also on trial for drug possession. A verdict was due the day after the rampage.

Bereaved families held cremation rites for the victims on Tuesday. Makeshift pyres were built at one temple because the number of victims was so large.

The Swiss-based Small Arms Survey says over 10 million guns were held by civilians in Thailand as of 2017. That's the highest figure among ASEAN nations.

Prayut has called an emergency meeting with relevant ministers and the national police chief for Wednesday to come up with effective drug and gun control measures.