Thai officials revise down death toll in school shooting as PM cites 'academic stress'

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has revised down the death toll in a school shooting, citing academic stress as a key factor. Initially, officials reported eight fatalities, including students, teachers, and other staff at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Nonthaburi province, bordering Bangkok. However, it has since been confirmed that the perpetrator, a 14-year-old boy, died from his injuries.

The boy had also killed his two grandparents at their home in the province before embarking on the school attack. Police stated that he had fired 26 rounds from a handgun legally registered to his grandfather. The suspect's close friend called for improved security measures following the incident.

Prime Minister Charnvirakul attributed the tragedy to academic stress, stating, "There were many other factors that caused this incident [...] The main issue was academic stress." The deputy headmaster, who was among those killed, had a strict grandmother who emphasized the importance of studying well. The family of the victim is currently on their way to the school to grieve.

Deputy Prime Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat announced that authorities were arranging school closures and providing mental health support for teachers and students in the wake of the shooting. Police are investigating the motives behind the attack and how the young suspect obtained access to the weapon.