- A 14-year-old boy allegedly shot dead a person at home before killing six others at his school and then turning the gun on himself.
- Police said the boy had used social media to learn how to use a firearm, and had shown interest in firearms for one to two years.
- Police found a knife in the boy's bag and other evidence including a firearm, spent cartridge cases, and a personal computer.
- Examination of the PC revealed the boy had watched violent social media content, but there was no evidence he had practiced shooting.
- The Ministry of Education said it would develop new safety protocols over the next three months, including mental health screenings, anti-bullying measures, and better detection of items brought into schools.
A 14-year-old boy allegedly shot dead his family members and six others at his school in Thailand, marking the nation’s worst mass shooting since 2022. The boy had a BB gun confiscated last year and had been watching violent content online, according to police.
Police revealed that the boy had been interested in firearms for one to two years, learning how to use them through social media. “According to witness interviews, the perpetrator had begun showing interest in studying the use of firearms for some time,” said Atthapol Anusit, deputy commissioner of the Provincial Police Region 1.
The investigation uncovered a knife in the boy’s bag, along with a firearm and spent cartridge cases at the crime scenes. “After examining the PC, it was found that the child had watched social media content involving violence,” Atthapol added, although there was no evidence he had practiced shooting.
The boy lived with his grandparents after his parents separated, and his mother expressed shock at his actions, stating, “We are truly devastated, because no one thought this would happen.” She described him as a bright and cheerful person, denying any signs of trouble.
In response to the tragedy, the Ministry of Education plans to implement new safety protocols, including mental health screenings and measures to prevent bullying. The incident has reignited discussions on firearms control in Thailand, a country with a high rate of gun ownership.
“Police found a knife in the boy's bag along with a firearm, spent cartridge cases, and a personal computer, and said he had shown interest in firearms for one to two years. The Ministry of Education plans new safety protocols over three months, including mental health screenings and anti-bullying measures.”
