Thai students in disbelief after deadly school shooting
The boy took his own life after killing a maths teacher, a Thai language teacher, a guidance counsellor, a student affairs administrator and a secretary at the school.
On August 7, a 14-year-old student at Debsirin Nonthaburi secondary school in Thailand entered his school armed with his grandfather's handgun and killed at least five staff members - a maths teacher, a Thai language teacher, a guidance counsellor, a student affairs administrator, and a secretary. The young shooter then took his own life.
Students expressed shock and disbelief at the incident. Thatchai Jaiyen, a 16-year-old, said he was "in shock" and remembered his former teacher as a "good person". He wondered if she might have been able to reason with the shooter.
The suspect had first killed his grandparents at their home around 20km away using the same firearm. Debsirin Nonthaburi secondary is a prominent government school in Nonthaburi province, north of Bangkok.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul noted that the suspect's grandmother, who used to be a teacher and was strict about his studies, was among the victims.
Students reported seeing the shooter walking towards the building, prompting them to flee. Some hid between tables while others ran away.
The community is concerned about the ease with which the student acquired a gun, given Thailand's high rate of gun ownership. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring gun safety in the region.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
