At least seven people were killed on Friday after a 14-year-old student allegedly carried out a shooting at his home and later at his school in Nonthaburi province, on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thai authorities said.
According to Thailand’s health minister, the teenager is believed to have first shot and killed his grandparents at home before heading to school, where he fatally shot five teachers and later took his own life.
The minister added that 22 other people were injured in the attack, with nine reported to be in critical condition.
The shooting occurred at a branch of the prestigious Debsirin School, one of Thailand’s most respected secondary school networks, known for producing many prominent public figures.
Police quickly responded to the incident and secured the area while the attack was still unfolding.
Authorities urged residents to avoid the vicinity and instructed those trapped inside the school to remain hidden until rescue teams arrived.
During the emergency, police warned through social media that the gunman was inside the school’s computer room.
Founded in Bangkok in 1885, Debsirin School has several branches across Thailand and has educated diplomats, athletes and multiple former prime ministers.
A seventh-grade student who escaped the attack told the BBC she was in class when she saw the gunman moving from one classroom to another.
When he reached her classroom, he shot the teacher standing near the entrance, she said. She added that she couldn’t see anything else after that.
Another student told Reuters he initially mistook the gunfire for fireworks or loud banging noises.
“There were many shots: bang bang bang. Then it went quiet. Then it started again.”
Police said the 9mm handgun used in the shooting belonged to the suspect’s grandfather, who was a retired teacher.
Students and staff were seen fleeing the school grounds, while many gathered outside the campus in visible distress.
Several nearby schools suspended classes and allowed students to return home early as a precaution.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul extended condolences to the victims and their families, describing the tragedy as unacceptable.
“shouldn’t have happened”, adding “this is why the government do not allow [citizens] to possess firearms”.
“I don’t just feel sorry for the victims but I feel sorry that this happened. How can this happen in our country.”
Thailand has strict firearms regulations, with illegal gun possession carrying prison sentences of up to 10 years.
However, authorities have long faced challenges enforcing the country’s gun laws.
The country also has one of Southeast Asia’s highest rates of civilian gun ownership, with an estimated 40 per cent of privately owned firearms believed to be illegal.
