Seven killed after Thai teen shooter opens fire at home and school
Authorities say the teen killed his grandparents at home before opening fire at his school.
A 14-year-old student in Thailand opened fire at his residence and a school on the outskirts of Bangkok, resulting in at least seven fatalities, according to authorities.
Thailand's health minister reported that the student is believed to have first killed his grandparents at home before proceeding to the school, where he shot and killed five teachers, and then took his own life. The minister also stated that 22 individuals were injured in the incident, with nine of them in critical condition.
The school, located in Nonthaburi province, is a local branch of the prestigious Debsirin School, widely recognized in Thailand for its academic excellence.
Police were dispatched to the scene during the active shooting. Earlier, authorities had advised people to avoid the area and instructed those trapped inside the building to seek cover and await rescue. At one point, police issued a social media alert indicating the shooter was in the school's computer room.
Founded in Bangkok in 1885, the Debsirin School is a leading secondary institution in Thailand with branches nationwide, boasting numerous prominent Thai alumni, including diplomats, athletes, and several prime ministers.
A seventh-grade student who escaped the building recounted to the BBC that she was in class when she observed the shooter moving from room to room. She stated that when he reached her classroom, he shot the teacher near the entrance, after which she could not see anything further.
Another student informed Reuters that he initially mistook the gunshots for firecrackers or someone banging an object. He described hearing "many shots: bang bang bang. Then it went quiet. Then it started again."
Police confirmed that the 9mm handgun used by the shooter belonged to his grandfather, a former teacher.
Students and school staff were observed fleeing the scene, and those gathered outside the Debsirin School appeared visibly distressed. Other nearby schools suspended classes, allowing students to return home early.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul extended his condolences to the victims of the school shooting, remarking that the tragedy "shouldn't have happened." He added, "this is why the government do not allow [citizens] to possess firearms." He further expressed, "I don't just feel sorry for the victims but I feel sorry that this happened. How can this happen in our country."
Despite Thailand having stringent gun laws, which carry a penalty of up to 10 years in jail for illegal arms possession, enforcement has been a persistent challenge. The country has one of the highest rates of civilian gun ownership in Southeast Asia, with an estimated 40% of these firearms being illegal.