- The Thai teen behind a deadly school shooting outside Bangkok had an air gun confiscated by a teacher last year and had watched violent content online, police said on Sunday, as the government promised new safety protocols for schools.
- Police said the boy had used social media to learn how to use a firearm, and according to witness interviews, he had begun showing interest in studying the use of firearms for about one to two years.
- The boy’s mother said she had seen no signs of trouble, describing him as a bright, cheerful person who behaved normally and denied being bullied.
- Police found a knife in the boy’s bag and other evidence including a firearm, spent cartridge cases, and a personal computer; after examining the PC, they found he had watched social media content involving violence, but there was no evidence yet that he had practised shooting.
- Last year a teacher had confiscated a BB gun, a type of air gun, that the boy took to school.
- The boy had lived with his grandparents for 12 years after his parents had separated.
- The Ministry of Education said it would develop new safety protocols over the next three months, including mental health screenings, a referral system, emergency drills, anti-bullying efforts, and better detection to stop items being taken into schools.
A 14-year-old boy allegedly shot his grandparents before killing six people at his school near Bangkok, marking Thailand's worst mass shooting since 2022. Investigators revealed the boy had been interested in firearms for one to two years and had watched violent content online.123
Police reported that the boy's mother saw no signs of trouble, stating, “He was a bright, cheerful person.” However, evidence found at the crime scenes included a firearm, spent cartridge cases, and a personal computer.4
The Ministry of Education plans to implement new safety protocols within three months, focusing on mental health screenings, emergency response drills, and measures to combat bullying. This incident has reignited discussions on firearms control in a country known for its high rate of gun ownership.9
Atthapol Anusit, deputy commissioner of the Provincial Police Region 1, noted that the boy had previously had a BB gun confiscated and had been living with his grandparents for 12 years after his parents separated. The tragedy has left more than 20 people injured and raised urgent questions about school safety in Thailand.
“Police said the boy had used social media to learn how to use a firearm and had shown interest for one to two years, according to witness interviews. His mother described him as bright and cheerful, denying any signs of trouble, while the Ministry of Education plans mental health screenings and anti-bullying efforts.”
South China Morning Post
