Thailand School Shooting: 14-Year-Old Student Allegedly Kills Grandparents, Five Teachers Before Dying
BANGKOK: A tragic shooting in Thailand has left seven people dead after a 14-year-old student allegedly killed his grandparents at home before carrying out a deadly attack at his secondary school, authorities said on Friday.
The incident took place at Debsirin Nonthaburi Secondary School in Nonthaburi Province, near Bangkok. According to police, the ninth-grade student, whose identity has not been released because he was a minor, first took his grandfather’s 9mm pistol and allegedly shot both of his grandparents at their home.
After leaving the house, the teenager reportedly travelled directly to his school, where he opened fire on teachers and students. Officials said five teachers were killed in the attack, while at least 20 students and staff members were injured. Around 10 of the injured remain in critical condition.
Authorities said the suspect fired approximately 26 rounds inside the school. Investigators also recovered 34 unused bullets from him, suggesting he may have intended to carry out an even larger attack.
Following the shooting, the teenager reportedly turned the weapon on himself. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition but later died from his injuries.
Police said preliminary investigations indicate the student had been experiencing significant academic stress. However, officials stressed that it is too early to determine the exact motive behind the killings.
Investigators are examining the suspect’s mobile phone, social media activity, and online search history after discovering evidence that he had searched for information related to mass shootings before the attack.
The shooting caused panic across the school as students hid inside classrooms, while others escaped by jumping through windows. Teachers attempted to move children to safer areas until emergency responders arrived.
Thailand’s Prime Minister expressed condolences to the victims’ families and announced that the government would review the country’s firearm regulations, including rules governing civilian gun ownership and carrying firearms in public.
The government has also ordered the school to remain closed until next week while counselling services are provided to students, teachers, and affected families. Authorities have also appealed for blood donations to help treat those injured.
The tragedy has renewed concerns about gun violence in Thailand, a country with one of the highest rates of civilian firearm ownership in the region. The incident follows several high-profile mass shootings in recent years, including the 2022 nursery attack and the 2023 shopping mall shooting.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, and no final conclusions regarding the motive have yet been reached.