Thai school shooter had watched violent content online: police

A 14-year-old boy allegedly unleashed a deadly shooting at a school outside Bangkok, killing seven people and wounding over 20 others, before taking his own life, according to reports. Police have revealed that the perpetrator had a history with firearms, watching violent content online and even having a BB gun confiscated by a teacher the previous year.

Deputy Commissioner Atthapol Anusit of the Provincial Police Region 1 stated that the boy had shown interest in firearms for about one to two years. The boy's mother, however, denied any signs of concern, describing him as a "bright, cheerful person" who behaved normally. She said he never mentioned being bullied. Police have interviewed 17 witnesses so far.

In addition to a firearm, a knife was found in the boy's school bag. An examination of his personal computer revealed that he had viewed violent content on social media. Police have promised to introduce new safety protocols in schools, including mental health screenings, emergency response drills, and measures to prevent bullying.

The incident has sparked a debate about firearms control in Thailand, which has the largest number of gun owners in Southeast Asia.