High School Shooting in Thailand Results in Casualties

A tragic shooting occurred at a high school in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok. A 14-year-old student opened fire, causing the death of five individuals and injuring over 20 others. Authorities reported that the student also murdered his grandparents earlier in the day.

The incident took place around 10 a.m. at Debsirin Nonthaburi School. Among the deceased are five staff members, comprising teachers and administrators. The young shooter concluded the rampage by taking his own life at the school.

Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee confirmed the sequence of events, noting the boy’s actions at both the family home and the school. Nearby Bangyai Hospital, located approximately 3 miles from the school, received 23 injured individuals. Of these, 10 are in critical condition, primarily with gunshot wounds.

Witnesses recalled the chaos as gunfire erupted. Students hid inside classrooms, waiting for authorities to ensure safe evacuation. Amporn Niamfuang, who runs a restaurant in the vicinity, described hearing a single gunshot followed by a series of continuous shots. The narrow road filled with frightened students seeking safety. Students, especially young girls, were seen fleeing and crying.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the scene and addressed the media. He confirmed the shooter’s age and the legal ownership of the firearm, which belonged to the boy’s grandfather. The Prime Minister also mentioned that the shooter exhibited signs of school-related stress.

Thailand has notably high rates of gun ownership within Asia. According to a 2017 study by Small Arms Survey and GunPolicy.org, there are about 15.1 guns per 100 people in Thailand. This figure is significantly higher compared to neighboring Malaysia, which has less than one gun per 100 people.