Student kills at least seven people in attacks at Thai school and home outside Bangkok
By Mehak Najeeb | SCN NEWS
BANGKOK — A student allegedly killed at least seven people in a shooting at a high school before carrying out another deadly attack at a nearby home outside Bangkok, Thai officials said Thursday, in one of the country's deadliest school attacks in recent years.
Police said the suspect, believed to be a student at the school, launched the first attack on campus before fleeing to a nearby residence, where additional victims were killed. Authorities later arrested the suspect following a large-scale security operation.
Officials said the death toll includes victims from both locations, while several others were injured and taken to nearby hospitals. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims as families are being notified.
Investigators are working to determine the motive behind the attacks, though police said it was too early to conclude whether the violence was linked to a personal dispute, mental health issues or another factor.
Emergency services rushed to both crime scenes, while heavily armed officers secured the school and surrounding neighborhood. Classes were suspended as authorities searched the area and gathered evidence.
Thai Prime Minister expressed condolences to the victims' families and ordered relevant agencies to provide support to survivors while launching a full investigation into the tragedy.
School shootings are relatively rare in Thailand compared with some other countries, making the incident one of the most significant acts of school violence in recent years.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and more details are expected to be released as detectives continue interviewing witnesses and examining evidence.
Why It Matters
The attacks have shocked Thailand and renewed questions about school security, youth violence and access to firearms. The tragedy is likely to prompt calls for tighter safety measures at educational institutions across the country.