After student’s shooting rampage, Thai school reopens under tight security

On August 7, a 14-year-old student engaged in a deadly shooting spree at Debsirin Nonthaburi School, located on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand. The student killed seven individuals, including himself, after first shooting his grandparents at their home. The incident marked Thailand's deadliest mass shooting in nearly four years and has ignited discussions over gun control in the nation.

As the school reopened on Tuesday, heightened security was in place. Police were deployed, and students and staff underwent bag checks. A screen displaying condolence messages and victim photos stood at the entrance, while white ribbons adorned the fence in memory of the deceased.

One student and five staff members were among the victims. Parents held mixed views on the return to classes. Thongbai Muenjit, whose daughter attends the school, expressed confidence in the school's strict safety measures but worried about his child's mental well-being. Natchuda Petpuangpan, whose daughter is also a student, supported her child's return to class, noting that such incidents are rare and could happen anywhere.

Following the shooting, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul temporarily halted firearm permit issuance and initiated a review of existing licenses. Thailand had approximately 10.3 million firearms in civilian hands, the second-highest rate in Asia, according to a 2017 estimate by the Small Arms Survey.

To prepare students for potential active shooter incidents, a school in Bangkok held a drill last month. Adisorn Deesa, a 15-year-old student, expressed happiness at returning to the school and seeing his friends. He believed that online classes had hindered his understanding of lessons, and he felt more engaged and supported by being in person.