Thai PM vows to introduce stricter gun laws after eight killed in shooting
Eight people were killed when a 14-year-old opened fire at his home and school before shooting himself dead.
Thailand's Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has committed to implementing more stringent gun legislation following a shooting incident near Bangkok that resulted in eight fatalities and 22 injuries.
The 14-year-old perpetrator initially killed his grandparents at their shared residence before proceeding to Debsirin School in Nonthaburi, where he was a student. There, he shot and killed five teachers before taking his own life. Subsequent reports from Thai media indicated that a student also succumbed to their injuries.
In the aftermath of the attack, Prime Minister Charnvirakul announced his intention to introduce laws that will restrict the public carrying of firearms, with new regulations permitting only on-duty government officials to carry guns.
A Thai student recounted, "I was standing in front of my teacher when she was shot."
Police Colonel Thadsakorn Konthong stated that the firearm and ammunition used in the attack belonged to the teenager's grandfather. An initial inspection revealed indications that the gun had been sought out within the grandfather's bedroom. Both international and local media outlets have reported that the gun was legally registered and possessed a permit.
Thailand has one of the highest rates of civilian gun ownership in Southeast Asia, with approximately 10.3 million firearms in civilian hands, of which an estimated four million are believed to be illegally owned. Despite the country's strict gun laws, which carry penalties of up to 10 years in jail for illegal possession, enforcement has been a persistent challenge.
During his tenure as interior minister, Anutin Charnvirakul implemented several gun control measures, including a temporary ban on new gun licenses and import restrictions.
Speaking on Friday, the Prime Minister expressed his sorrow, stating that the tragedy "shouldn't have happened." He added, "I don't just feel sorry for the victims but I feel sorry that this happened. How can this happen in our country."
The teenager is believed to have shot his 73-year-old grandfather and 74-year-old grandmother at their two-story apartment around 05:00 local time on Friday (22:00 GMT on Thursday). A Thai police official confirmed that each victim was killed by a single gunshot to the head.
Following the killings, the teenager boarded a school bus, carrying the firearm and dozens of bullets, as reported by Reuters news agency. He then attended his first class at 08:30 and his second at 09:20.
Approximately half an hour into his second class, he drew the gun and commenced shooting. The teenager is believed to have first shot teachers on the school's sixth floor, killing three of them.
Police Major General Dejrapee Kongdee informed Reuters, "He then walked down the stairs and encountered the school's deputy director and the director's secretary, who were going up the stairs to check on the situation. The attacker shot and killed both of them on the staircase."
Police were dispatched to the scene during the ongoing shooting. Dejrapee stated that they located the attacker, who had by then shot himself, around 10:40. Initially, five people were killed and at least 23 wounded. Subsequently, Thailand's public broadcaster and the Bangkok Post reported the death of an eighth victim.
Students sought shelter in classrooms as gunshots echoed through the school.
National police chief Gen Kittiratt Phanphet informed reporters that forensic officers determined the attacker's shots were quite accurate, with several hitting vital areas of the body. The Prime Minister described the attack as "well prepared" with "clear steps and clear goals."
According to local media, police have examined devices belonging to the teenager and discovered several videos related to school shootings in the US. Family members, speaking to local media, described the teenager as quiet and well-behaved.
His uncle told Thai media that the teen spent much of his time indoors playing violent video games and rarely ventured outside. He added that there was no indication the teenager was planning the attack. The attacker had resided with his grandparents due to his parents' divorce.
Debsirin School, established in Bangkok in 1885, is a prominent secondary school in Thailand with branches nationwide. Its alumni include numerous distinguished Thai figures, ranging from diplomats and athletes to several prime ministers.