A student who carried out a deadly shooting at a school near Bangkok on Friday first killed his grandparents at their home before attacking students and teachers on campus, according to Thai police. The incident claimed at least seven lives, including the gunman, and left 15 others injured.
Authorities said the suspect later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after opening fire inside Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Nonthaburi province, northwest of Bangkok. The motive behind the attacks remains under investigation.
Gunman Allegedly Killed Grandparents Before Heading to School
Investigators said the student first fatally shot his grandparents at their residence before traveling to the school, where he carried out the attack.
Police believe the firearm used in the shooting belonged to a member of the suspect’s family, though officials have not released additional details about how the weapon was obtained.
Authorities are examining both crime scenes as part of an ongoing investigation.
Chaos Erupts as Students and Teachers Flee
The shooting sent students and staff scrambling for safety as emergency responders and police rushed to the campus. Witnesses described scenes of panic, with students hiding inside classrooms while officers worked to secure the school.
An 18-year-old student told Reuters he initially believed the loud noises were fireworks.
“I didn’t think it was a gun at first. There were many shots. Then it went quiet, and then it started again,” he said.
Several victims suffered gunshot wounds to the chest, back, and arms, according to emergency responders.
Teachers and Students Among the Victims
Thai Education Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong confirmed that those killed included both teachers and students.
Emergency responder Kiatikhun Verapongpradith said rescue teams arrived while the attack was still underway.
Responders discovered a male teacher dead on an upper floor of the school. In another classroom, they found a female teacher with critical gunshot wounds.
“We performed CPR for about 30 minutes and rushed her to the hospital because we could not restore her heartbeat, but we tried our best,” Verapongpradith said.
Police reported that 15 people were injured, while local broadcaster Channel 3 said two victims remain in critical condition.
According to district authorities, Debsirin Nonthaburi School had approximately 3,100 students and 147 teachers during the 2025 academic year.
Government Offers Support to Victims
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed condolences to the victims’ families and directed government agencies to provide assistance and support.
Deputy Education Minister Akkharanan Kannakittinan said officials are coordinating with local authorities to help students, families, and school staff affected by the tragedy.
Witnesses Recall Frightening Moments
Witnesses said many students remained locked inside classrooms after hearing gunfire from another building until police officers escorted them to safety.
Images released from the scene showed students and teachers gathered outside the campus as emergency personnel secured the area and transported the injured to nearby hospitals.
Thailand’s Second School Shooting This Year
Friday’s attack marks the second reported school shooting in Thailand this year.
In February, a 17-year-old allegedly stole a firearm from police before opening fire at a public high school in southern Thailand, killing a teacher, injuring a student, and briefly taking hostages.
Thailand has witnessed several high-profile mass shootings in recent years. These include a Bangkok market shooting in 2025 that left five people dead, the 2023 shooting at a luxury shopping mall in Bangkok, and the 2022 daycare center massacre in northeastern Thailand, where 36 people—including 22 children—lost their lives.
What Happens Next?
Police continue to investigate the suspect’s motive, the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the grandparents, and how the firearm was obtained. Authorities are also providing support services for survivors, victims’ families, and the school community as the investigation continues.