Alleged school gunman was quiet teen raised by grandparents, Thai media report

A 14-year-old boy is alleged to have carried out a fatal shooting rampage in Thailand, resulting in the deaths of seven people before taking his own life. The incident began when the teen reportedly used his grandfather's registered firearm.

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He wasn’t particularly cheerful; he was just very quiet.

Authorities stated that the boy first killed his grandparents at their home. He then proceeded to Debsirin Nonthaburi School, where he fatally shot two teachers and three other school staff members. At least 23 individuals were also injured in the attack. The alleged gunman died while en route to the hospital.

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When we went inside, we found the grandfather’s body downstairs near the kitchen. He had been shot in the back of the head.

Those who knew the teen described him as a quiet and reserved individual, raised by his grandparents. His aunt, Samang Chaisorn, noted that he wasn't particularly cheerful and kept to himself. The headman of the Bangkurad subdistrict, Pannatorn Temrak, who knew the family, confirmed the grandparents' deep affection for their grandson, whom they had raised since childhood.

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We found the grandmother upstairs in the bedroom. She was still under the blanket, as though she were asleep.

Surin Adam, a motorcycle taxi driver, corroborated the description of the teen as quiet, recalling infrequent conversations during rides. While the motive remains unclear, preliminary reports suggest the teen may have been a victim of bullying at school, with an incident of being locked in a toilet occurring the day before the attack. Investigators are examining how the teen accessed the gun, which was reportedly brought to school in a bag. In response, Thailand's Education Minister announced that security measures at schools will be significantly strengthened, with education district directors convening to discuss enhanced safety protocols.

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They loved each other very much.