Seven People Killed in Thailand School Shooting as Nation Grapples With Second Campus Attack in Less Than a Year

Thailand is mourning one of its deadliest school shootings in recent years after a 14-year-old student allegedly carried out a deadly attack at Debsirin School in Nonthaburi, on the outskirts of Bangkok. The incident left at least seven people dead, including members of the suspect’s family and school staff, while several others were injured before the teenager reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

According to Thai police and emergency responders, the shooting unfolded during school hours, sending students and teachers scrambling for safety. Authorities quickly sealed off the campus as heavily armed officers and rescue teams responded to the emergency.

Students who escaped described scenes of panic and confusion. Some told local and international media they hid inside classrooms, while others climbed over school fences to flee the campus. One student recalled witnessing a teacher being shot, while another described running for safety with classmates as the sound of gunfire echoed through the school grounds.

Rescue worker Kiatikhun Verapongpradith, who spoke to Reuters, said emergency teams initially focused on treating wounded students before responding to reports of another gunshot inside the school. He said responders found the suspected shooter critically injured and attempted lifesaving measures before transporting him to hospital, where authorities later confirmed he had died.

Police investigations indicate that the teenager allegedly shot several victims, including his grandparents and members of the school’s teaching staff. Authorities have not yet released a motive, but investigators are examining the suspect’s background, family circumstances, and mental health history while reviewing evidence recovered from the scene.

Thai Prime Minister and senior government officials expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged a full investigation into the tragedy. Authorities also urged members of the public to avoid the area while forensic teams continued examining the school.

The shooting has once again placed Thailand’s gun laws and school security measures under intense scrutiny. Although the country has regulations governing firearm ownership, experts say guns remain relatively accessible through legal ownership, informal transfers, and illegal trafficking. Thailand also has one of the highest rates of civilian gun ownership in Southeast Asia.

This is the second school shooting in Thailand in 2026, adding to growing concerns about violence involving young people. It also follows a series of high-profile mass shootings that have shocked the nation in recent years, including the 2022 Nong Bua Lamphu daycare massacre, where more than 30 people—many of them children—were killed by a former police officer. That tragedy prompted the government to tighten firearm regulations, strengthen background checks, and expand mental health support services. However, critics argue that more comprehensive reforms are still needed to prevent similar attacks.

Education officials are expected to provide counselling and psychological support for students, teachers, and families affected by the latest incident. Schools across the country are also reviewing emergency response procedures as concerns grow over campus safety.