A school shooting in Thailand has left at least seven people dead and more than 20 others injured, making it one of the country’s deadliest school attacks in recent years. Authorities say the shooting happened on August 7 at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Nonthaburi Province, just northwest of Bangkok.
According to Thai police, the suspect was a 14-year-old male student at the school. Investigators say he first went to his grandparents’ home, where he allegedly shot and killed both of them using his grandfather’s legally owned 9mm handgun. He then traveled to the school and opened fire on teachers and staff before turning the gun on himself. He later died from his injuries. Authorities have not announced a final motive, although Thailand’s prime minister said the teenager appeared to have been experiencing school-related stress.
Officials said five school employees were killed, along with the suspect’s two grandparents, bringing the total number of victims to seven before the gunman died. More than 20 people were injured, with several reported to be in critical condition. Police said they recovered dozens of unused rounds of ammunition, suggesting the attack could have been even worse.
A panicked father carries his two children away from the scene of the deadly school shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School.
The shooting caused panic across the campus as students and teachers hid in classrooms or ran from the buildings. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the school, while police secured the area and evacuated students. Classes were canceled as investigators searched for evidence and interviewed witnesses.
Although Thailand has stricter gun laws than many countries, it has one of the highest rates of civilian gun ownership in Asia. Experts say both legally owned and illegally obtained firearms have contributed to several deadly attacks in recent years. The latest tragedy has renewed calls for stronger gun safety measures and improved mental health support for young people.
Thailand has experienced several other major shooting incidents over the past decade. In 2022, a former police officer attacked a daycare center in Nong Bua Lamphu, killing 36 people, including 22 children, in one of the country’s worst mass killings. Earlier this year, an 18-year-old gunman opened fire at a school in Hat Yai, killing the school principal and injuring several students before being arrested.
While school shootings remain less common in Thailand than in some other countries, each incident has sparked nationwide discussions about school security, firearm access, and mental health. Government leaders have expressed condolences to the victims’ families and promised a full investigation into the latest attack.
As investigators continue gathering evidence, many questions remain unanswered, including what motivated the teenager to carry out the attack. For now, Thailand is mourning another tragic act of violence while communities across the country look for ways to better protect students, teachers, and school staff from future attacks.
