Thailand school shooting: Teen kills 7, injures 30 in rampage near Bangkok

BANGKOK: A teenage student opened fire at a high school and a home outside Bangkok on Friday, killing at least seven people and wounding more than 30, according to Thai officials. The gunman, described as a student at the school, was later found dead, though authorities have not yet detailed the circumstances of his death.

The attack unfolded in a province adjacent to the Thai capital, sending shockwaves through a country where mass shootings are rare but not unheard of. Thailand's Prime Minister confirmed the casualty figures, calling the incident a grave tragedy. Local police and emergency responders were deployed to the scene, sealing off the school and the nearby residence where the shooter also struck.

Attack spanned two locations

Officials said the rampage began at the high school, where the suspect opened fire on students and teachers. The gunman then moved to a home in the vicinity, continuing the assault before being stopped. The motive for the attack remains unclear, and investigators are yet to release a formal statement on what may have driven the teenager.

Initial reports indicate that most of the deceased were at the school, with the home attack adding to the toll. The injured, including several in critical condition, have been rushed to nearby hospitals, where medical teams are working to stabilise them. Authorities have not confirmed the identities of the victims, pending family notifications.

Witnesses describe chaos

Local media quoted witnesses describing scenes of panic, with students fleeing the campus as gunfire rang out. Some said they heard multiple shots in quick succession, while others recounted barricading themselves in classrooms. The exact timeline of the attack has not been officially released, but the violence appears to have lasted only a short period before security forces intervened.

Thailand's education ministry has expressed grief over the incident, and the prime minister has ordered a full investigation. The school has been closed indefinitely, and counselling services are being arranged for traumatised students and staff. Flags at government buildings are expected to fly at half-mast as the nation mourns.

Worst school shooting in years

This attack is being described as Thailand's worst school shooting in recent memory, surpassing previous incidents that have sporadically hit the country. While Thailand has faced high-profile gun violence, including a 2020 mall shooting that killed 29 people, school-targeted massacres are less common, making Friday's event particularly alarming.

Gun ownership in Thailand is relatively high compared to its neighbours, with legal and illegal firearms circulating widely. However, officials have not yet commented on how the teenage suspect obtained the weapon used in the attack. Police have said they are tracing the firearm's origin as part of the investigation.

Official response and questions

The prime minister has pledged swift action, vowing to review security protocols at schools nationwide. Some lawmakers have already begun calling for stricter gun control measures, though no legislative changes have been announced. The police chief has promised a transparent probe, but details remain scarce, including the suspect's exact age and class year.

Hospitals in the region have appealed for blood donations to help treat the wounded, many of whom are believed to be teenagers. The death toll could rise, officials cautioned, as some of the injured are in serious condition. The home where the shooting also occurred has been cordoned off for forensic examination.

As the community reels, vigils are being planned in the coming days. The focus now shifts to the investigation and the recovery of the injured, with authorities urging the public to avoid speculation. Questions about the shooter's background, his access to a firearm, and any warning signs will likely dominate the official inquiry in the weeks ahead.