NONTHABURI: Aug 8, 2026 – A 14-year-old male student went on a shooting rampage on Friday, claiming eight lives, including his own, at Debsirin Nonthaburi School near Bangkok, Thai authorities have confirmed.
The teenager is believed to have begun his attack by fatally shooting his grandfather and grandmother at their residence before taking a pistol registered under his grandfather’s name to the school.
Upon arriving at the school grounds, the suspect is alleged to have fired indiscriminately, killing five school staff members, including teachers and administrators. A total of 23 individuals were also injured, with several reported to be in critical condition.
Local media reports stated that the suspect fired at least 26 rounds before turning the gun on himself. He was pronounced dead while receiving treatment at a hospital, bringing the overall death toll to eight.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the weapon used was legally owned by the suspect’s grandfather. Police are also probing the possibility that the attack was premeditated, while the actual motive remains undetermined.
Early information suggests the teenager may have been under academic stress and had a history of mental health issues.
In the wake of the tragedy, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul extended his condolences to the victims’ families and ordered immediate aid be channeled to those affected. The government has also pledged to review firearms control measures to prevent a recurrence of such an incident.
The tragedy has once again raised concerns over security protocols at educational institutions and the effectiveness of gun control in Thailand, a nation that records one of the highest rates of civilian firearm ownership in Southeast Asia.
