Seven killed in Thailand school and home shooting rampage

At least seven people lost their lives and 23 others sustained injuries after a 14-year-old boy carried out a shooting attack at his home and school on the outskirts of Thailand's capital, Bangkok. The incident began shortly after 10:00 local time, with the attacker—a student at Debsirin School in Nonthaburi—killing his grandparents and five teachers before turning the weapon on himself.

National police chief Pol Gen Kittiratt Phanphet told reporters that forensic investigators found the shooter's aim was remarkably precise, with several bullets striking vital areas of the bodies. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul added that the attacker still possessed more than 30 bullets when he died by suicide. Authorities confirmed that nine of the injured individuals remain in critical condition following the rampage.

A female seventh-grade student wearing her school uniform recounted to the BBC that she was standing right in front of her teacher when the educator was shot. "She was talking to me when [the gunman] showed up and shot her," she said alongside her mother, explaining how she had to climb the school fence with friends to escape as the shooter stalked room by room. Another student told Reuters he initially mistook the gunfire for firecrackers, hearing rapid succession bangs before a brief pause and more shots.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Police investigations are ongoing, with officers removing computer equipment and boxes from the home the shooter shared with his grandparents, whom he shot dead prior to entering the school. The attacker lived with his grandparents because his parents were divorced, and both parents were summoned for questioning at a local police station on Friday. Meanwhile, Debsirin School—founded in Bangkok in 1885 and known as one of the country's top secondary institutions—appealed for blood donations online, while neighboring schools suspended classes.

"The new law will only allow government officials on duty to carry guns."

Anutin Charnvirakul

Although Thailand enforces strict gun laws carrying up to 10-year prison sentences for illegal possession, Friday's tragedy immediately prompted politicians to demand a comprehensive legal review. In response, Anutin pledged to introduce new firearms control legislation that restricts ordinary citizens from carrying such weapons. However, the prime minister did not specify whether the upcoming law would also tighten baseline requirements for acquiring gun ownership.

Source: BBC World