Gunman shoots and kills a teacher at a kindergarten in eastern Thailand
Thailand school shooting: The shooter, who is believed to be the victim's husband, fled the scene. His accommodation was surrounded by police, officials said.
A gunman entered Nongplalai Municipal Kindergarten in eastern Thailand and fatally shot a teacher on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. at the school building located in Chonburi province, approximately 150 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. Fortunately, 44 students and three teachers were safely evacuated from the building following the shooting.
Authorities believe the suspected shooter is the victim's husband, who subsequently fled the scene, with police surrounding his residence. Chonburi Governor Narit Niramaiwong ordered the closure of the school and pledged the provision of mental health support for the students and staff. The tragic event has reignited discussions on school safety and gun violence in Thailand, following a series of concerning incidents.
In August, a 14-year-old student opened fire at his high school and family home, resulting in eight deaths and over 20 injuries before taking his own life. Earlier this month, another 14-year-old was arrested for attempting to shoot at his school in Kamphaeng Phet province, north of Bangkok, without causing any injuries. Heightened calls for stricter gun regulations have been made, leading the national government to initiate a review of firearm laws, which include suspending new permits and revisiting existing ones.
Despite relatively restrictive gun laws, Thailand boasts one of the highest rates of gun ownership in Asia. Although mass shootings remain relatively uncommon, the country has experienced an increase in high-profile attacks in recent years.
Written by urgent.news from Associated Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
