In brief
At least seven people were killed and more than thirty injured after a 14‑year‑old teenager opened fire at his grandparents’ home and at a school in Nonthaburi, near Bangkok. The shooter killed five teachers and his grandparents before taking his own life, police said. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul condemned the attack, noting that the gun was likely a family handgun and that the assault was "well prepared." The incident underscores ongoing concerns around illegal gun possession despite stringent Thai gun laws. Public outcry has led to school closures and a national call for blood donations.
Seven people lost their lives and more than thirty others were injured in a shooting that unfolded at a home and a school on the outskirts of Bangkok.
The attacker, a 14‑year‑old boy, first killed his grandparents at their residence before moving on to the local branch of the prestigious Debsirin School. He shot five teachers and then took his own life, leaving investigators with a weapon that contained more than 30 unfired bullets.
Police report the gun’s shots were accurate, striking vital areas and leaving the scene in a state of chaos. Nine of the wounded remain in critical condition.
The Prime Minister, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, described the attack as “well prepared” and emphasized that Thailand’s strict gun regulations are designed to prevent such tragedies. In a statement he said, “This is why the government does not allow citizens to possess firearms” and expressed deep sorrow for the victims and the families affected.
Despite Thailand’s laws—penalising illegal arms possession with up to ten years in prison—about 40 % of civilian firearms are believed to be illegal. The incident has sparked renewed calls for tighter enforcement and a nationwide blood donation drive.
The school lost a historic legacy. Founded in 1885, Debsirin has educated many prominent Thais, yet the shooting has left the community reeling. Local schools have shut down early to safeguard students.
