Student Opens Fire at Thai High School, Killing at Least Six

Thailand has been rocked by one of its deadliest school shootings in recent years after a student opened fire inside a high school on the outskirts of Bangkok, killing at least six people and injuring more than a dozen others before dying, authorities said.

The attack occurred on Friday at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Bang Kruai district, Nonthaburi province, northwest of the Thai capital. Police said the victims included three teachers and three students, while at least 15 others sustained injuries. Health officials later indicated the number of injured could be higher, with several victims reported to be in critical condition.

According to Thai authorities, the suspected gunman was a student at the school. Investigators said the teenager allegedly shot and killed his grandparents at their home before travelling to the school armed with a handgun believed to have belonged to a family member. The motive for the attacks remains under investigation.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as gunshots rang through the school. Students and teachers reportedly ran for safety, hid inside classrooms and under desks, while emergency responders rushed to evacuate the wounded. Ambulances and rescue workers flooded the campus as police secured the area.

One 18-year-old student said he initially mistook the sounds for fireworks before realizing the school was under attack.

“I didn’t think it was a gun at first. There were many shots, then it went quiet, and then it started again,” the student told Reuters.

Authorities said the suspect was later found dead after the shooting. While officials initially gave differing accounts of how he died, police later confirmed the incident had ended with the gunman’s death, allowing emergency personnel to enter the school safely.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed condolences to the victims’ families and ordered relevant agencies to provide medical assistance, psychological support and a full investigation into the tragedy.

The shooting has renewed concerns about gun violence and school security in Thailand. Although mass shootings remain relatively uncommon, the country has witnessed several high-profile firearm attacks in recent years, including the 2022 daycare massacre and another school shooting earlier this year. The latest tragedy is expected to intensify calls for tighter gun control measures and stronger mental health support for young people.