Shooting in Thailand leaves eight dead, over 30 wounded

Bangkok: Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Friday afternoon that eight people were confirmed dead, including the gunman and his grandparents, and over 30 people were injured, with nine in critical condition, as a gunman opened fire at a school and home in Nonthaburi province earlier the day.

Local police were notified around 10 am local time after a gunman opened fire at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in the Bang Kruai district of Nonthaburi province on the northwestern outskirts of Bangkok, Xinhua News Agency reported.

A witness at the scene said the gunman wore a purple tracksuit and fired dozens of shots in the school. Video footage released by the media shows continuous gunfire heard throughout the campus.

It was reported that the alleged attacker, identified as a 14-year-old student, had been living with his grandparents. Thai police discovered the bodies of his grandparents at their home, with investigators believing they were shot dead before the attack at the school.

Authorities said a handgun was recovered at the scene, and initial information suggested it belonged to the grandfather of the alleged shooter. A large quantity of ammunition was also found in the suspected shooter’s bag.

According to Thai media reports, during the investigation of the motive for the school shooting case, Thai police found on the suspect shooter’s computer that he had searched and studied an American school shooting case.

Anutin told the media at the scene that the reason for the attack may be excessive academic pressure since the alleged student shooter’s grandparents were very strict with his studies.

A friend of the gunman also confirmed that he was under great pressure recently and had made thorough preparations before the shooting, and had even posted photos of the gun he used on social media.

Anutin also said such an incident must not be allowed to happen again, noting that the government will promote stricter gun control measures, and relevant departments must strengthen supervision of gun ownership situations.

He said no one is allowed to carry guns into public places unless performing official duties.

IANS