BANG KRUAI, Thailand — A school day in Thailand’s Nonthaburi province turned into a scene of panic on Friday after a teenage student allegedly killed his grandparents before opening fire at a school outside Bangkok, leaving teachers and students among the victims.
The shooting took place at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Bang Kruai district, on the northwestern outskirts of Bangkok. Police said the suspected shooter was a student at the school. Emergency teams rushed to the campus as frightened students were evacuated and parents hurried to collect their children.
Grandparents Killed Before School Attack
According to police and local officials, the teenager first went to his grandparents’ home, where both were found dead. He then travelled to the school carrying his grandfather’s handgun.
At the school, the teenager allegedly opened fire, killing three teachers and three students. The suspected shooter also died after the attack. Police said the firearm was believed to have belonged to his grandfather.
The sequence of events has raised fresh questions about how a teenager was able to obtain access to a firearm and bring it onto a school campus.
Students Fled as Gunfire Erupted
The attack triggered chaos inside the school. Students and staff attempted to hide, evacuate classrooms and move away from the gunfire while police and emergency responders arrived at the scene.
One student told Reuters that he initially thought the sounds were firecrackers or something being struck. Only after hearing repeated gunshots did he realise that something much more serious was happening.
Emergency workers treated people suffering gunshot wounds and other injuries. Police initially reported 15 people wounded, while Thailand’s health minister later gave a higher figure of 22 injured, including people hurt while attempting to escape.
Police Recover Ammunition at Scene
Police said the teenager fired numerous rounds during the incident and that additional ammunition was recovered. Reuters reported that investigators said 26 rounds had been fired, with another 34 rounds found with the suspect.
Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the teenager’s access to the weapon and the motive behind the attack.
Thailand Faces Renewed Gun Violence Concerns
The incident has renewed concerns over gun violence and school safety in Thailand. It is also the second school shooting reported in the country in 2026, according to Reuters.
Thailand has experienced several major shooting incidents in recent years. The country was shocked in 2022 when a former police officer carried out a deadly attack at a childcare centre in Nong Bua Lamphu province, killing dozens of people, including children.
The latest attack is likely to intensify discussions over firearm access, youth safety and security measures at schools.
Investigation Continues
Police and emergency authorities remained at the school as investigators worked to establish the full sequence of events. Officials have not yet provided a definitive explanation for what prompted the teenager to attack his grandparents and then target the school.
Leave a Reply