Teenager Kills Seven Others in Thailand School and Home Shooting

A 14 year old boy killed at least seven other people and himself in a shooting spree on Friday in Nonthaburi province, which borders Bangkok. The attacker first shot and killed his 73 year old grandfather and 74 year old grandmother at their home around 05:00 local time. He then traveled to Debsirin School Nonthaburi, where he was a student, and opened fire during his second class of the day. At the school, he killed five staff members, including three teachers on the sixth floor, the deputy director, and the director's secretary. One student also later died from injuries. More than 30 people were injured, with some reported as being in critical condition. The Philippine Embassy confirmed that eight Filipino teachers at the school are safe and uninjured.

Police stated that the suspect used a legally registered handgun and bullets belonging to his grandfather. The prime minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, described the attack as well prepared with clear goals. Investigators found videos of United States school shootings on the teenager's devices. Family members described the boy as quiet and well behaved, though an uncle noted he spent much of his time indoors playing violent video games. Police indicated the suspect had been under stress related to his schooling.

In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Anutin vowed to introduce stricter gun control laws. He plans to restrict the carrying of firearms in public, proposing that only government officials on duty be allowed to carry guns. Thailand has one of the highest rates of civilian gun ownership in Southeast Asia, with approximately 10.3 million firearms in civilian possession.