In brief
In a tragic Friday morning incident, a 14‑year‑old shooter opened fire at Debsirin School near Bangkok, killing five teachers and injuring over 30, including students. The teen, whose 9mm handgun was reportedly owned by his grandfather, stalked classrooms before turning the gun on himself. Police have declared no motive yet, while Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul cites study pressures as potential factors. The attack has reignited fierce debate over Thailand’s lax gun‑control laws amid its high rate of firearm ownership.
On Friday morning, panicked students streamed out of Debsirin School just outside Bangkok as a 14‑year‑old opened fire, killing five teachers and injuring over 30 including pupils.
“I was standing in front of the teacher when she was shot,” a seventh‑grade girl told BBC, claiming the gunman burst into the classroom while she was talking to her teacher.
Inside, police say the teenager stalked from room to room before turning the weapon on himself. Authorities have recorded five teacher deaths and 23 injuries – some wounded in the arm, chest, or back – with additional students also affected.
Her mother said she feared for her child's life: “I thought I’d never see my daughter again.”
The gunman, reportedly a good student with strong grades, was said to have a 9mm handgun that belonged to his grandfather. Forensic experts noted the shots were “quite accurate,” striking vital spots on victims.
The police have not yet determined a motive. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul cautioned that study pressure could have influenced the teenager’s state of mind, citing reports of family stress.
This incident marks Thailand’s deadliest school shooting this year, and the second at a school in 2026, following a similar event in February that killed a teacher and student.
With an estimated seven million gun owners nationwide – a sizable portion unlicensed – the attack has revived calls for stricter gun regulations. Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut said: “A violence in an educational institution, which should be safe, challenges Thailand to review gun‑control measures.”
One student recounts having to climb over a fence to escape
