Shooting at Bangkok-Area High School Leaves Multiple Casualties

On Friday, a tragic shooting occurred at a high school near Bangkok, Thailand, resulting in the deaths of at least five people and injuries to over 20, according to local authorities. The shooter, a 14-year-old student, also reportedly killed his grandparents at their family home earlier in the day.

Officials announced that the incident took place at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Nonthaburi province, just northwest of Bangkok. The school staff members who lost their lives included teachers and administrators. The shooting began around 10 a.m., and the shooter subsequently took his own life.

Authorities stated that prior to arriving at the school, the boy had taken the lives of his grandparents at their shared residence. This was confirmed by Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee, who spoke from the scene.

Bangyai Hospital, located approximately three miles from the school, reported treating 23 wounded individuals. Among the injured, 10 were in critical condition, primarily due to gunshot injuries. Initially, reports on casualty numbers varied.

A witness recounted that students sought refuge inside a classroom as gunshots echoed from another building. Police eventually knocked on classroom doors to guide students to safety. Amporn Niamfuang, a restaurant owner nearby, described hearing the initial gunfire, followed by a series of continuous shots, prompting students to flee the area in panic.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, following his tour of the school, confirmed the gunman’s identity as a 14-year-old who had ended his life. He noted that the student appeared to be under stress related to school. The weapon used was a small, legally registered firearm belonging to the shooter’s grandfather.

Thailand is known for having a high rate of gun ownership compared to other Asian countries. According to data from groups Small Arms Survey and GunPolicy.org in 2017, Thailand had approximately 15.1 civilian-owned guns per 100 people, significantly higher than neighboring Malaysia, which reported less than one gun per 100 people.