A 14-year-old student opened fire at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Thailand, killing five teachers, before dying on the way to hospital. The teenager is also suspected of killing his grandparents at home before the attack.
Attack and Casualties
The shooting took place at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Nonthaburi province, northwest of the capital. At least seven people, including five teachers, were killed, and several others were wounded. The suspected gunman, a pupil at the school, died while being taken to hospital.
Officers discovered the suspect's grandparents dead at the family home, with investigators believing they had been shot before the teenager embarked on his rampage. The total death toll currently stands at eight, including the suspect himself.
Witness Accounts and Response
A witness told reporters that pupils sheltered inside a classroom as they heard gunfire coming from another part of the building, before police knocked on the door and escorted them to safety. Approximately an hour after the shooting, crowds gathered outside the school to comfort one another, while officers and emergency responders moved through the premises.
Authorities provided conflicting accounts of the casualties that could not be immediately clarified. Trairong told news broadcaster Channel 3 the shooter was being hospitalised in a serious condition and 15 others had been injured, with two in a critical state. He initially confirmed three teachers had been killed, though subsequent reports have since revised that figure upwards to five.
Official Statements and Motive
Health Minister Pattana Promphat confirmed that 22 people were injured, with nine in a critical condition. Some injuries were sustained as a result of falls, and the exact number of shooting victims remained unclear.
Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee told journalists at the scene that five teachers had lost their lives, and that the gunman had murdered his two grandparents at home before making his way to the school. He also confirmed that the shooter had died. Trairong stated that the motive was still under investigation, adding that the weapon was believed to have been taken from a family member of the student.
Suspect Profile and Government Response
Deputy Interior Minister Suwanchawee provided further details about the suspect, revealing that he was an avid gamer and had been described as a "good kid with good study records". Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul offered his condolences and announced he had instructed relevant authorities to ensure the victims received the necessary care.
In February, a 17-year-old stole a firearm from police and opened fire at a public high school in southern Thailand, briefly taking hostages during a two-hour attack that left one person dead and two others injured. In 2023, a 14-year-old boy was charged in connection with a shooting at a prominent Bangkok shopping centre.
