Families collected the bodies of loved ones on Saturday, a day after a shooting at a school and a home in Nonthaburi province, northwest of Bangkok. The death toll rose to nine after a 12-year-old girl died in hospital; the total includes the 14-year-old alleged attacker.
Sixteen people remained in hospital on Saturday, including seven in critical condition, according to Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health. Most of those wounded were between 12 and 14 years old.
At a glance:
- The shooting began at about 10am local time on Friday at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Bang Kruai district.
- Officials said the teenage attacker appeared to have killed his two grandparents at their home earlier that morning before taking his own life.
- The school will suspend classes from August 10 to 14, with staff instructed to work from home.
- Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he would propose a law limiting public firearm carrying to government officials on duty.
What happened at the school and home
A 14-year-old schoolboy opened fire at about 10am local time, or 03:00 GMT, on Friday at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Bang Kruai district, Nonthaburi province. Officials said he appeared to have killed his grandparents at their home earlier in the morning before returning to the school and later taking his own life.
Related coverage: Thailand school shooting leaves teacher dead and four injured.
The eight bodies initially held at Bangkok’s Institute of Forensic Medicine — five school staff members, the alleged attacker and his two grandparents — had been collected by early Saturday afternoon. Emergency workers transported the coffins to the victims’ hometowns for funeral rites.
Investigation and the school’s response
Wiroon Supasingsiripreecha, head of the forensic institute, told The Associated Press that most victims suffered a single fatal gunshot wound to a vital area, including the chest or head. He said the gunshot wound found on the alleged attacker was consistent with the weapon he had used.
More detailed forensic findings, including toxicology results, are expected later. Officials said the small, compact gun was legally registered to the boy’s grandfather. Reports said the boy had shown signs of stress connected to school, while some relatives told Thai media they were unaware of any difficulties he might have been facing.
The school was quiet on Saturday, with only a minor police presence at the entrance. Mourners laid flowers at the gate, while some parents returned with their children to collect belongings left at the school. The school said classes would be suspended from August 10 to 14 and staff would work from home.
Government promises firearms proposal
Within hours of Friday’s shooting, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he would introduce a new firearms-control law. He said the proposed measure would restrict carrying firearms in public and allow only government officials on duty to carry guns, but he gave no further details.
The source says Thailand has one of Asia’s highest rates of gun ownership. A 2017 Small Arms Survey estimate cited in the report put civilian firearm possession at 10.3 million weapons, or 15 guns per 100 residents; about 60 percent were registered and 40 percent were not.
Questions readers ask
How many people are still receiving treatment?
Sixteen people remained in hospital on Saturday, with seven listed in critical condition by the Ministry of Public Health.
When will the school reopen?
The school said all classes would be suspended from August 10 to 14. Staff were instructed to work from home during that period.
Has Thailand enacted a new firearms law?
No enacted law is described in the supplied report. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he would propose restrictions on carrying firearms in public.
Related coverage:
No comments yet. Start the discussion.