Families of victims gathered Saturday to collect the bodies of their loved ones following a deadly shooting involving a 14-year-old student in Nonthaburi province, just outside Bangkok. The attack, which occurred Friday, left at least seven people dead before the teenager fatally shot himself.
Authorities said the victims included five school staff members and the teenager’s grandparents. The incident has shocked Thailand and renewed concerns over gun ownership, school safety and access to firearms.
Victims’ Bodies Returned to Families
By Saturday afternoon, the bodies of eight people connected to the incident had been released from Bangkok’s Institute of Forensic Medicine. The remains were placed in coffins and transported to their hometowns, where families are expected to hold traditional funeral ceremonies.
The five school employees were killed during the shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School. The teenager’s grandparents were also among those killed after the violence began at the family home.
The suspected shooter was later found seriously wounded after turning the gun on himself. He died after being taken for medical treatment.
Sixteen people remained hospitalized following the attack, with seven reported to be in critical condition. Many of those injured were between 12 and 14 years old.
Shooting Began at Home Before School Attack
The violence reportedly started at the teenager’s home, where his grandparents were fatally shot. He then traveled to Debsirin Nonthaburi School carrying a firearm and ammunition.
Once at the school, the teenager opened fire, striking teachers and other school personnel as students and staff attempted to escape or find shelter.
Police later secured the school and began investigating how the teenager obtained the weapon. Authorities said the firearm was registered to his grandfather.
The motive remains under investigation, although officials have pointed to possible academic and family-related stress. Investigators are also examining the teenager’s activities and behavior before the shooting.
Thailand Faces Renewed Debate Over Gun Violence
The shooting has brought renewed attention to firearm ownership and gun control in Thailand, where several high-profile shootings in recent years have raised concerns about public safety.
The latest incident has also intensified discussion about security at schools and how firearms can be kept away from children and teenagers.
Debsirin Nonthaburi School is expected to remain closed from Aug. 10 through Aug. 14 as authorities and school officials respond to the tragedy. Support services are also being made available to students, teachers and families affected by the shooting.
As relatives begin funeral ceremonies for those killed, the investigation continues into what led the teenager to carry out the attack and how he gained access to the firearm.
