Thai school shooter consumed violent online content, had BB gun confiscated: Police

The 14-year-old boy responsible for a deadly school shooting outside Bangkok had previously shown an interest in firearms, with a teacher confiscating an air gun from him last year, police reported Sunday.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the rampage, which began Friday with the alleged shooting deaths of the boy's grandparents at home. He then proceeded to his school, where he is accused of killing six more people before taking his own life. Deputy Commissioner of Provincial Police Region One, Atthapol Anusit, stated that witness interviews indicate the perpetrator had been studying firearm use for one to two years and had utilized social media to learn how to operate weapons.

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According to witness interviews, the perpetrator had begun showing interest in studying the use of firearms for some time, about one to two years.

During their examination of the boy's personal computer, investigators discovered that he had consumed "social media content involving violence." However, Atthapol noted that there is currently no evidence suggesting he had practiced shooting. A knife was also found in the boy's school bag, alongside a firearm and spent cartridge cases recovered from the crime scenes.

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After examining the PC, it was found that the child had watched social media content involving violence.

The boy had been living with his grandparents for 12 years following his parents' separation. In response to the tragedy, Thailand's Ministry of Education announced plans to implement new safety protocols within the next three months. These measures will include mental health screenings for students, a referral system for at-risk individuals, emergency response drills, anti-bullying initiatives, and improved detection systems to prevent prohibited items from entering schools.

The incident marks Thailand's most severe mass shooting since 2022 and has reignited a national debate on gun control in a country known for its high rate of gun ownership in Southeast Asia.

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He said that last year a teacher had confiscated a BB gun, a type of air gun, that the boy took to school.