Police in Thailand have confirmed the tragic death of a school principal who was shot while protecting her students from an armed teenage gunman. The incident, which unfolded at Patongprathankeeriwat School in the southern city of Hat Yai, has left the community in mourning and reignited concerns over gun violence in the country.
Principal Succumbs to Injuries After Heroic Act
Head teacher Sasiphat Sinsamosorn passed away in the early hours of Thursday, February 12, 2026, after sustaining gunshot wounds during the attack. The 18-year-old suspect stormed the school campus shortly before 5pm local time on Wednesday, February 11, opening fire and causing chaos.
Ms Sinsamosorn was shot while attempting to shield students from the barrage of bullets, according to authorities. Her selfless actions have been widely praised, with the school paying tribute to her as a hero in a heartfelt social media post.
Hostage Situation and Arrest
The teenage gunman, identified by local officials as having a history of drug abuse and mental health issues, initially caused a disturbance that prompted police to respond. In a violent escalation, he attacked a police officer and stole the officer's firearm before racing inside the school building.
Once inside, he held several students and teachers hostage for approximately two hours, creating a tense standoff with law enforcement. Police eventually managed to wound the suspect during the confrontation and apprehend him, bringing the dangerous situation to an end.
Injured Students and Motive
A female student was also shot during the incident and is currently in stable condition in hospital. Additionally, a second pupil was hospitalised after leaping from a window in a desperate attempt to escape the gunfire.
While the exact motive behind the attack remains unclear, Thai media reports suggest the teenager may have held a grievance against a teacher at the school. Police investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.
School Pays Tribute to Fallen Principal
In an emotional social media statement, the school expressed its "deepest condolences" to Ms Sinsamosorn's family, friends, and the entire student body. The post highlighted her lasting legacy, stating: "Although we have lost her, the memories and kindness she left behind will forever remain in our hearts."
Gun Violence in Thailand
This tragic event underscores the persistent issue of gun crime in Thailand, where both legal and illegal firearms remain widely accessible. The country has experienced several deadly shootings in recent years, raising concerns about public safety and firearm regulations.
Last year, five people were killed in an attack at a Bangkok food market. In 2023, a 14-year-old boy shot dead two people and wounded five others at a luxury shopping mall in the capital. A year earlier, a former police officer killed 36 people, most of them children, in a horrific massacre at a kindergarten in north-eastern Thailand.
These incidents highlight the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address gun violence and mental health support systems in the country. As communities grieve the loss of Principal Sasiphat Sinsamosorn, her heroic actions serve as a poignant reminder of the courage displayed by educators in protecting their students.
