Families Receive Victims’ Bodies After Deadly Shooting Near Bangkok
Al Jazeera
Families have claimed the bodies of the eight victims killed in a shooting at a school and home near Bangkok, including the 14-year-old gunman. The suspect, who died by suicide, is believed to have killed his grandparents before attacking the school.
Families have received the remains of their loved ones a day after a mass shooting at a school and a home near Bangkok killed eight people, including the gunman.
A 14-year-old student opened fire at around 10 a.m. (03:00 GMT) Friday at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Bang Kruai district, Nonthaburi province, northwest of the Thai capital, before shooting himself. According to officials, the boy appeared to have killed his grandparents at their home earlier that morning.
All eight bodies – five school staff members, the suspected attacker, and the grandparents – were claimed by Saturday afternoon from the Bangkok Forensic Institute. Rescue workers brought out one coffin and loaded it onto an ambulance for transport back home for funeral rites.
The Public Health Ministry said 16 people remained hospitalized on Saturday, with seven in critical condition. Most of the wounded were between the ages of 12 and 14.
Wiroon Supasingsiripreecha, head of the forensic institute, told the Associated Press that most victims had suffered a single fatal gunshot wound to a vital area such as the chest or head.
He also said the wounds on the attacker matched the weapon he used. More detailed forensic results, including toxicology tests, are expected later.
Officials said the gun, described as small and compact, was legally registered under the boy’s grandfather’s name.
The boy, who lived with his grandparents, had reportedly shown signs of school-related stress, although some relatives told Thai media they were unaware of any troubles he may have faced.
The school said all classes would be suspended from August 10 to 14. Staff were directed to work from home during that period.
On Saturday morning, the school was quiet, with only a few police officers at the gate. Some people came to lay flowers as a tribute.
Charin Siriananchai brought his two sons, aged 9 and 6, to pay their respects. He said his children did not attend the school, but he lived in the neighborhood and drove past nearly every day, often stopping to let students cross.
“Everyone is sad and shocked because nobody expected this to happen in Thailand, and it’s quite a big loss,” he told the AP.
Some parents also brought their children to pick up belongings left behind after the shooting. One father, who asked not to be named, said his son, who was at the school during the shooting, remained in shock and could not sleep alone.
Within hours of the shooting, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul pledged to introduce new gun control legislation for the country.
Anutin, who previously tightened gun laws during his tenure as Interior Minister, said he would propose a law restricting civilians from carrying firearms.
“The new law will only allow government officials with duties to carry guns,” he told reporters without giving specific details.
Thailand has one of the highest gun ownership rates in Asia, behind only Pakistan and far exceeding its Southeast Asian neighbors.
According to a 2017 Small Arms Survey, there were approximately 10.3 million guns in the Thai population, averaging 15 guns per 100 people. About 60% of these weapons were registered and 40% unregistered, the Geneva-based research group said.
Thailand has experienced mass shootings in recent years. In February, a teacher was killed and a student injured in Hat Yai district in the south after a gunman opened fire at a school. In October 2022, a former police officer killed dozens of people, including children, in a shooting and stabbing attack in Nong Bua Lamphu province.
