‘They loved the boy a lot’: Thai school shooter farewelled alongside the grandparents he murdered

Bangkok, Aug 10 — The father of the 14-year-old perpetrator of a deadly school shooting in Thailand has made his first public apology to the victims and their families. Emerging from a police station, he expressed deep remorse to the gathered media. "I am deeply sorry to all the families," he stated.

This came two days after his son opened fire at Debsirin Nonthaburi school, killing six individuals before taking his own life. Police revealed that the teenager had also shot his grandparents dead at their home prior to the school attack. Over 20 people were injured, with at least 14 hospitalized, including seven in critical condition.

The perpetrator had reportedly shown an interest in firearms for over a year, according to police investigators. They found evidence that he had been watching violent content online. No signs of prior shooting practice were detected. A firearm, spent shell casings, a computer, and a knife were recovered from the crime scenes. A BB gun had been confiscated from the teenager by a teacher the previous year.

The shooting has reignited discussions about Thailand's firearm regulations and prompted a reevaluation of how early warning signs in young individuals can be recognized. Thailand's education ministry pledged to introduce new safety measures over the next three months, which may include mental health screenings, a system for identifying at-risk individuals, emergency response drills, anti-bullying initiatives, and stricter checks to prevent prohibited items from entering schools.

Police continue to investigate how the teenager acquired the firearm and the events leading to the tragic incident.