A teenage student in Thailand killed his grandparents before initiating a shooting at a secondary school near Bangkok on Friday, resulting in at least eight deaths. The victims included three teachers and three students, authorities confirmed. National police reported that the youth used his grandfather’s firearm to commit the initial murders before traveling to Debsirin Nonthaburi School to continue the assault. The suspect, a student at the institution, is also dead; however, reports remain divided on whether he took his own life or was killed by authorities.
Emergency teams and police surrounded the school as panicked parents arrived to retrieve their children. Student Pawarisa Maylissa recalled hearing gunshots from the floor above her room, stating she feared for her future. Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee noted that while no other students were struck by gunfire, 15 were injured while attempting to flee the chaos. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul labeled the event a horrific tragedy.
The incident has intensified debates regarding the high rate of civilian firearm ownership in Thailand, where approximately 10 million guns are estimated to be in circulation. Despite past attempts to strengthen control, mass shootings continue to occur, including a notable 2022 attack at a nursery that claimed 36 lives. Mental health professionals have been assigned to assist the school community following the violence.
