Thailand high school shooting leaves several dead after teen suspect kills his grandparents, officials say
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Thailand High School Shooting Leaves Multiple Victims in Nonthaburi
Wertynews.com – Nonthaburi, Thailand — A devastating Thailand high school shooting leaves several people dead and many more injured after a teenage student opened fire at his school on Friday. The incident at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Nonthaburi province, located northwest of Bangkok, has left the community in mourning as authorities work to piece together the tragic events that unfolded.
Royal Thai Police spokesperson Trairong Piwpan confirmed to The Associated Press that the shooting occurred at the educational facility. Initially, authorities provided conflicting information regarding the number of casualties, which could not be immediately reconciled. According to Trairong’s statement to Channel 3 news broadcaster, the shooter was being hospitalized in serious condition following the incident.
Understanding the Casualties and Timeline
The death toll and number of injured have varied in official reports. Trairong initially stated that three teachers and three students were killed, with 15 others injured, two of whom were in critical condition. However, Health Minister Pattana Promphat reported that 22 people were injured in total, with nine in critical condition. Some victims sustained injuries from falls during the chaos, and it remains unclear exactly how many were shot versus injured by other means.
Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee provided additional details at the scene, revealing that five teachers died in the attack. Perhaps most notably, the minister confirmed that the shooter had killed his two grandparents at home before traveling to the school. The gunman ultimately died at a hospital, according to police reports.
Background and Investigation
CBS News partner network BBC News reported that the gunman lived with his grandparents, providing context for the family tragedy that preceded the school shooting. The Reuters news agency, citing police sources, reported that the shooter, who was 14 years old, fired at least 26 bullets during the attack and was found with 34 more rounds of ammunition.
Police confirmed that the gun belonged to the shooter’s grandfather. Trairong stated that the motive is still being investigated, though he noted that the weapon was believed to have been taken from a member of the student’s family. A witness told reporters that students hid inside a classroom while they heard gunshots coming from another building before police officers knocked on the door and cleared a safe path for them to exit.
About an hour after the shooting concluded, people gathered outside the school, comforting one another while police and first responders continued to walk through the campus. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul offered his condolences and ordered relevant officials to take care of the victims and their families.
Context: Recent School Violence in Thailand
This incident adds to a growing concern about school safety in Thailand. In February, a 17-year-old stole a gun from police and opened fire at a public high school in southern Thailand, briefly taking people hostage in a two-hour attack that killed one person and injured two others. Additionally, in 2023, a 14-year-old boy was accused of a shooting at a major Bangkok shopping mall, highlighting that youth-related firearm incidents have been occurring across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were killed in the Nonthaburi school shooting?
Official reports have varied, with some stating six deaths (three teachers and three students) while others indicated five teachers died. The shooter also killed his two grandparents at home before the school attack.
Who was the shooter and what weapon was used?
The shooter was a 14-year-old student who used a gun belonging to his grandfather. He fired at least 26 bullets and was found with 34 additional rounds of ammunition.
What is the current status of the investigation?
Police are still investigating the motive behind the shooting. The weapon was believed to have been taken from a member of the student’s family, and the shooter was hospitalized in serious condition before passing away.
How does this incident compare to other recent school shootings in Thailand?
This is not an isolated incident. In February 2024, a 17-year-old opened fire at a southern Thailand high school, killing one person. In 2023, a 14-year-old was accused of a shooting at a Bangkok shopping mall.
