Thailand school shooting: teen suspect shot grandparents before killing several others, police say – latest updates
Thailand School Shooting: Teen Kills Grandparents, Eight Others
Wanderstayfinder.com – A teenager opened fire at a school in Nonthaburi province, killing eight people including his grandparents before taking his own life. The attack began at the suspect’s home, where he used his grandfather’s handgun to shoot both grandparents. He then traveled to Debsirin Nonthaburi School on the outskirts of Bangkok, where the violence continued.
National police confirmed the young gunman killed three teachers and three students at the school. Lt. Col. Dechrapee Kongdee, the provincial police commander, verified that the suspect ended his own life after the attack. The ninth-grade student, approximately fourteen years old, fired twenty-six rounds during the incident. Investigators found thirty-four additional rounds of ammunition at the scene.
Community Mourning and Recovery
The tragedy affected many more than just those who died. Thailand’s health minister, Pattana Promphat, reported that twenty-two people were injured during the shooting. Nine of the wounded were in critical condition. While some injuries came from falls during the chaos, the exact number of gunshot wounds was still being determined.
Arpit Sampantharat, the interior ministry’s permanent secretary, told PPTV that the shooter stayed inside the school building after the attack began. Students hid in classrooms, hearing gunshots from another building before police cleared a safe route for evacuation.
Gun Control Debate Reignited
The incident has renewed calls for stronger gun control in Thailand. Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party, posted on Facebook that while the motive remains unclear, this tragedy serves as another warning for Thai society.
We must collectively review and implement a systematic approach to gun control measures, coupled with enhanced security measures in educational institutions to prevent similar incidents from recurring in the future.
Ruengpanyawut also offered condolences to grieving families and injured survivors. His statement reflects growing public demand for comprehensive policy changes regarding firearm ownership and school safety protocols across the country.
About Debsirin School
Debsirin Nonthaburi School holds a distinguished place within Thailand’s educational landscape. District authorities documented that during the 2025 academic year, the institution enrolled approximately three thousand one hundred students and employed one hundred forty-seven teachers. The school operates as part of a broader network of Debsirin secondary schools, which were originally established by the Thai royal family.
The institution’s distinguished history includes notable alumni who have gone on to become prime ministers, scholars, and writers. This prestigious reputation makes the tragedy particularly poignant for the community and the nation.
Recent History of School Violence
This incident marks the second school-related shooting in Thailand within a single year. In February, a separate tragedy occurred in the southern region of the country, where a teacher lost her life and a student was injured. The recurrence of such violence has prompted urgent questions about systemic factors contributing to these incidents.
Thailand’s approach to firearm regulation has evolved over recent years, though challenges remain in balancing cultural traditions with modern safety requirements. The availability of handguns, particularly those passed down through generations, continues to be a topic of debate among policymakers and citizens alike.
As investigations continue, authorities are examining whether the suspect’s actions were premeditated or spontaneous. The discovery of thirty-four additional rounds at the scene suggests the teenager may have prepared for an extended confrontation. Community members and educators are now grappling with grief while seeking answers about how such a devastating day could unfold at what many consider a safe and nurturing environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people died in the Thailand school shooting? Eight people were killed, including the suspect’s grandparents, three teachers, and three students. The suspect also died by suicide after the attack.
What weapon was used in the shooting? The suspect used his grandfather’s handgun. Police found twenty-six fired rounds and thirty-four additional rounds of ammunition at the scene.
How many people were injured? Twenty-two individuals sustained injuries during the shooting. Nine of those wounded were reported to be in critical condition.
Is this the first school shooting in Thailand? No, this is the second school-related shooting in Thailand within a single year. A separate incident occurred in February in the southern region of the country.
What is being done about gun control? Political leaders, including People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, are calling for systematic gun control measures and enhanced security in educational institutions to prevent future incidents.
