The entrance of Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Nonthaburi, Thailand. (Kijjumroon Adisorn)
On August 7, at least seven people were killed and 23 others injured after a 14-year-old student opened fire at his home and later at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Bang Kruai district, Nonthaburi Province. This is one of Thailand’s deadliest school shootings in recent years.
Thai Prime Minister (PM) Anutin Charnvirakul said the student fatally shot his grandparents before travelling to the school, where he killed five teachers. The suspected gunman later died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after police surrounded the campus. Thai authorities said nine of the injured remain in critical condition.
The shooting began shortly after 10 am local time, prompting a large-scale police response and the evacuation of students and staff. Investigators recovered a 9mm handgun, while police said the student fired 26 rounds and still had more than 30 rounds of ammunition remaining when he took his own life. Forensic officers described the attack as deliberate, with several shots striking victims in vital areas.
Police have not disclosed a motive and continue to investigate the sequence of events. Officers searched the suspect’s home, where they recovered evidence and questioned both parents. Authorities said the student had been living with his grandparents following his parents’ divorce. Investigators believe the firearm used in the attack belonged to the grandfather, although they have not indicated whether it was illegally possessed.
The attack has intensified public debate over firearm regulations in Thailand. Although the country has relatively strict gun laws, enforcement remains a persistent challenge and Thailand has one of Southeast Asia’s highest rates of civilian gun ownership, with an estimated 40% of firearms believed to be unregistered or illegally held.
PM Anutin described the shooting as a tragedy that “shouldn’t have happened” and announced plans to introduce new firearms legislation that would significantly restrict the public carrying of guns, allowing only government officials on duty to do so.
The attack is likely to intensify pressure on Thailand’s government to strengthen firearm regulations and school security while expanding mental health interventions for young people. Coming after another school shooting earlier this year, the incident highlights persistent concerns over access to firearms, early identification of at-risk youth and emergency preparedness in educational institutions.
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