A 14-year-old student opened fire at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Bang Kruai district on Friday morning, killing six people—including three teachers and three students—and injuring at least 15 others before dying at the scene, Thai police confirmed.
Authorities said the suspect, a Grade 9 student, fired dozens of rounds inside the school before barricading himself on the third floor of a campus building. Police reported finding 26 spent cartridges at the school and 34 additional rounds of ammunition nearby. The motive remains under investigation, though officials stated the firearm was believed to have been taken from a family member.
Three teachers, three students killed in attack
The attack began around 10:00 a.m. local time, prompting an immediate lockdown and evacuation of students and staff. Emergency responders, including volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, arrived within minutes to treat the wounded. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area and refrain from livestreaming the incident to prevent interference with rescue operations.
Police confirmed that a man and woman were found dead at the shooter’s home, identified as his grandparents, who were shot before the school attack. Forensic teams are examining the crime scene, including the recovered 9mm handgun, and interviewing witnesses to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Gunman’s age and weapon source scrutinized
Multiple reports identified the shooter as 14 years old, though some outlets initially cited conflicting ages. The Royal Thai Police stated the weapon was likely taken from a family member, while Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul offered condolences and directed officials to assist victims’ families. Investigators have not yet determined how the student obtained the firearm.
School shooting follows recent pattern in Thailand
This incident marks one of the deadliest school shootings in Thailand in recent years. In February 2024, a 17-year-old stole a gun from police and opened fire at a high school in southern Thailand’s Hat Yai district, killing one person and injuring two others. In 2023, a 14-year-old boy was accused of a shooting at a major Bangkok shopping mall, highlighting recurring concerns about youth access to firearms and school safety.
Emergency services reported that most injuries occurred as students fled the scene, with two victims in critical condition. Authorities have not released the names of the deceased or injured pending family notifications.
Timeline of key events
- ~10:00 a.m.: Gunfire reported at Debsirin Nonthaburi School; students and staff evacuate.
- ~10:15 a.m.: Police and emergency responders arrive; armed units secure the campus.
- ~11:00 a.m.: Shooter found dead inside the school; motive and weapon source under investigation.
- Afternoon: Forensic teams process the scene; authorities appeal for public patience as investigations continue.