Source Hindustan Times
NONTHABURI, Thailand — A 14-year-old student launched a violent rampage outside Bangkok on Friday, killing his grandparents at their home before opening fire at a nearby secondary school. The tragic series of events left at least seven people dead, including five teachers and staff members at the school, before the teenager turned the gun on himself.
The shooting took place at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Bang Kruai district, northwest of Bangkok, triggering mass panic across the campus.
Sequence of Events
According to Royal Thai Police, the teenager began his attack at his family residence in the morning, where he fatally shot his grandparents using a handgun belonging to his grandfather. Armed with the weapon and dozens of rounds of ammunition, he then proceeded to his school campus.
Upon arriving at Debsirin Nonthaburi School—which educates over 3,000 students—the gunman opened fire in the school hallways and classrooms. Witnesses reported hearing multiple bursts of gunfire, which many initially mistook for firecrackers.
Students and teachers barricaded themselves inside classrooms while emergency workers rushed to the site. Responders treated multiple victims at the scene for severe gunshot wounds before the teenager fatally shot himself as law enforcement moved in.
Investigations and Prime Minister’s Response
Police and government officials launched an immediate investigation into the shooter’s motive. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the scene on Friday and noted that preliminary reports indicate the student was under severe stress related to his schooling and had planned the assault in advance. Classmates also described the suspect as a troubled student who had reportedly experienced bullying.
“This is a terrible tragedy. Something like this should never have happened,” Prime Minister Anutin told reporters. Following the incident, he announced plans to propose stricter firearm legislation aimed at limiting gun possession and public carrying rules.
Over 20 people were injured during the attack, with several in critical condition at local hospitals. Mental health support teams have been deployed to the district to provide crisis counseling for surviving students, teachers, and grieving families.
