Death toll in Thailand school shooting rises to 6; 3 teachers, 3 students killed

The death toll from a school shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Thailand's Nonthaburi province has risen to six, authorities confirmed Friday. The victims include three teachers and three students, all killed by a 14-year-old student who opened fire on campus.

Law enforcement officials cited by CNN reported that the teenage suspect first killed his grandparents at their home before proceeding to the school. He allegedly used a handgun believed to belong to his grandfather. Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwphan, a spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, stated that nine other individuals sustained injuries, with several remaining in critical condition. The youngest victim was reportedly 12 years old.

The incident occurred in the Bang Kruai district, north of Bangkok. Videos verified by CNN captured the harrowing moments students sought cover under desks as gunshots echoed through the building, followed by their evacuation. Authorities recovered a handgun and ammunition from the scene.

While initial reports suggested the suspect had died by suicide, Lt Gen Trairong later clarified that the teenager is in critical condition and receiving medical treatment. Investigators are examining how the student obtained the firearm and are looking into his living situation, as he reportedly resided with his grandparents rather than his parents.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed deep grief over the attack, calling it "horrible" and stating it "shouldn't have happened." Thailand has a high rate of civilian gun ownership, with over 10.3 million firearms registered in 2017, approximately 15 per 100 people. The country has experienced other deadly firearm incidents, including a teacher's death in a school shooting earlier this year and a mass killing at a childcare center in 2022 that claimed 36 lives.

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This is horrible; it shouldn't have happened.