BANGKOK : A 14-year-old student allegedly opened fire at his school on the outskirts of Bangkok on Friday, killing six people and wounding more than 20 others, in what authorities are calling one of Thailand’s deadliest school shootings in recent years.
Police said the attacker first shot and killed his grandparents at their home before heading to Debsirin Nonthaburi School in the Bang Kruai district of Nonthaburi province, a campus of roughly 3,000 students. Three teachers and three students were among those killed, according to police spokesperson Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwphan, with nine of the wounded reported in critical condition.
Video footage verified by international media showed terrified students taking cover under desks as gunshots rang out, while other clips captured students being evacuated by staff. Officials said the suspect used a handgun allegedly belonging to his grandfather, who reportedly worked as a teacher.
Initial reports had suggested the gunman died by suicide at the scene, but authorities later said he remained in critical condition and was receiving emergency treatment.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul offered condolences to the victims’ families and ordered officials to ensure they receive proper care, calling the incident deeply troubling.
Investigators are working to determine a motive.