Student kills five, wounds over 20 in Thailand school shooting before taking own life

A student opened fire at a high school northwest of Bangkok on Friday, killing at least five people and wounding more than 20. The 14-year-old shooter also killed his two grandparents at their home before taking his own life at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Nonthaburi province.

Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee confirmed the casualties, stating that five school staff members, including teachers and administrators, died in the attack. Bangyai Hospital reported 23 wounded, with 10 in critical condition. The shooter's grandfather legally owned the registered firearm, described as small and compact.

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Students were running scared and pouring onto the street. Young girls were holding each other's hands and crying. I went inside to hide.

Witnesses described students hiding in classrooms as gunshots echoed from another building. One restaurant owner near the school heard a single shot, followed by continuous gunfire, and saw students fleeing in panic. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul suggested the student showed signs of stress connected to school.

Thailand has a high rate of gun ownership in Asia. Data from 2017 indicated about 15.1 guns per 100 people, significantly higher than in neighboring Malaysia. The incident has raised concerns about gun violence in the country.

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And then there were multiple continuous shots.