Thai teen’s shooting sparks school safety review

Thai teen’s shooting sparks school safety review

Thai police said a 14-year-old boy accused of carrying out a deadly shooting near Bangkok had shown an interest in firearms for up to two years and had watched violent material online.

The teenager allegedly killed his grandparents at their home on Friday before shooting six people at his school and taking his own life. More than 20 others suffered injuries in the attack, which became Thailand’s deadliest mass shooting since 2022.

Deputy Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 1 Atthapol Anusit told reporters that investigators had questioned 17 witnesses so far. Police also found a knife in the teenager’s school bag, along with a firearm, spent cartridge cases and a personal computer.

Investigators examining the computer found social media content involving violence. Police also said the boy had used social media to learn about firearms, although they have not yet found evidence that he regularly practised shooting.

A teacher had confiscated a BB gun from the boy at school last year, according to police. The teenager had lived with his grandparents for about 12 years after his parents separated.

In response to the tragedy, Thailand’s Ministry of Education said it would introduce new school safety measures within three months. The plan includes mental health screening, referrals for students considered at risk, emergency response drills, stronger anti-bullying measures and tighter checks to prevent weapons and other dangerous items from entering schools.

The shooting has renewed calls for stronger firearm controls in Thailand, which has one of the highest rates of civilian gun ownership in Southeast Asia.