A deadly shooting at a high school in Nonthaburi province, north of Thailand’s capital Bangkok, has left six people dead and several others injured, according to Thai police.
The shooting occurred Friday at Debsirin Nonthaburi School. Royal Thai Police spokesperson Trairong Piwpan told The Associated Press that a student opened fire inside the school.
In a later interview with Thai broadcaster Channel 3, Trairong confirmed that three teachers and three students were killed in the attack. Several other people were reportedly wounded and taken for medical treatment.
Police said the motive for the shooting remains under investigation. Authorities also believe the firearm used in the attack may have been taken from a member of the student’s family.
Students and Parents Left Shocked
The shooting triggered panic at the school as students, teachers, parents, police officers, and emergency responders gathered at the scene.
Images from approximately an hour after the incident showed shocked students and members of the public outside the school, with people comforting one another as police and first responders worked inside the premises.
Local media reported heavy traffic around Debsirin Nonthaburi School as worried parents rushed to collect their children following the shooting.
Photos published by local media reportedly showed the suspect wearing a purple school uniform and carrying a black cross-body bag, while bullet casings could be seen on the ground.
Prime Minister Offers Condolences
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed his condolences to the victims and their families and said he had instructed relevant officials to provide assistance.
Calling the incident a terrible tragedy, Anutin questioned how such an attack could have occurred and emphasized the devastating impact on the school community.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including how the student obtained the firearm and what may have led to the attack.
Thailand’s History of School Shootings
The latest tragedy has renewed concerns about gun violence in Thailand, which has one of the highest rates of civilian gun ownership in Southeast Asia.
Thailand has experienced several deadly shootings in recent years despite repeated discussions about strengthening firearm regulations.
In 2022, a former police officer armed with a gun and knife attacked a nursery in northeastern Thailand, killing dozens of people, including many children. The massacre became one of the country’s deadliest acts of violence.
Authorities are expected to provide additional information as the investigation into Friday’s shooting continues. The identities of the victims and further details about the injured were not immediately available in the initial reports.