NONTHABURI – A teenage student gunned down seven people at a Bangkok-area school Friday morning before shooting himself dead. Three teachers, three pupils and the killer are among the eight dead, with 22 more left wounded.
The attack unfolded at Debsirin School in Bang Kruai district, Nonthaburi province, northwest of Bangkok. Police received reports of shots fired around 10.20am local time and rushed to the scene.
Killer shot his grandparents first
Thai media reports say the shooter murdered his grandparents at home before heading to school. Officers found the 73-year-old grandfather and 74-year-old grandmother dead in the family home.
The gunman was a Mathayom-3 (9th grade) student at the same school. Police took his father in for questioning.
Weapon came from granddad’s stash
The murder weapon was a CZ-75 9mm pistol registered to the grandfather. Investigators found 98 rounds of ammunition in the shooter’s possession — stolen from two boxes of 50, minus two loose rounds that fell out.
Police also discovered the teenager had searched online for information on US school shootings about a week before the attack.
Health minister confirms the death toll
Health Minister Pattana Promphat confirmed 8 dead: 5 teachers (including a deputy headmaster), the 73-year-old grandfather, the 74-year-old grandmother, and the shooter himself. Another 22 people were injured, 9 of them seriously.
Fifteen victims were rushed to nearby hospitals as emergency teams evacuated students from the building. Police told those still trapped inside to hide and wait for help.
Loner bullied by classmates, say witnesses
The killer grew up with his grandparents after his parents split when he was very young. Witnesses described him as a loner who spent most of his time in his room playing video games.
Classmates reportedly bullied and physically abused him regularly. Teachers allegedly did nothing to stop it, according to witnesses.
The school will remain closed from August 10 to 14.