NONTHABURI — A 14‑year‑old student opened fire at Debsirin Nonthaburi School, killing five teachers and administrators and wounding more than 20 people. The shooting occurred around 10 a.m. on Friday, according to authorities.
The same teenager also killed his grandparents at their home earlier that morning before attending school. The gun used was registered to his grandfather.
Police subsequently found both grandparents dead of apparent gunshot wounds. The student then shot himself while at the school. He reportedly fired more than 20 rounds, with 30 rounds remaining in the weapon after his suicide.
Bangyai Hospital, about five kilometres from the school, treated 23 wounded individuals, 10 of whom were in critical condition. Most injuries were gunshot wounds.
A witness reported hearing a single gunshot followed by continuous shots, after which students fled the building with the school’s doors opened by police officers. Students were seen running in fear, holding hands and crying.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, after touring the school, confirmed the shooter’s age and noted that the student had displayed signs of stress related to school life.
All classes at Debsirin Nonthaburi School will be suspended from August 10 to August 14, and staff have been instructed to work from home during that period.
Police find grandparents dead at family homeContext: Thailand’s High Gun Ownership
Thailand has one of the highest rates of civilian gun ownership in Asia. In 2017, studies by Small Arms Survey and GunPolicy.org estimated 15.1 firearms per 100 people. The country recorded 3.49 firearm-related deaths per 100,000 residents in 2023, well above many Southeast Asian neighbours. Incidents such as this underscore the urgent need for comprehensive gun safety پو< /p>