Thailand school attack leaves 7 dead; gunman killed grandparents before shooting, police say

A school shooting in Thailand on Friday left at least seven people dead, including the suspected gunman, after the student allegedly shot and killed his grandparents before carrying out the attack at his school, police said.

The shooting took place at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Nonthaburi province, northwest of Bangkok. According to police, the victims included three teachers and three students. Fifteen other people were injured, with two reported to be in critical condition.

Authorities said the suspected shooter, who was a student at the school, later died after turning the gun on himself.

Grandparents killed before school attack

Investigators cited by Hindustan Times said the student first went to his grandparents' home, where he fatally shot both of them before travelling to the school and opening fire.

Police are continuing to investigate the motive behind the attacks. Officials also believe the firearm used in the shooting was taken from a member of the student's family.

Emergency teams and police rushed to the school after reports of gunfire. Images from the scene showed first responders and security personnel inside the campus, while students and others gathered outside as the area was secured.

Students recount moments of panic

A witness told reporters that students took shelter inside a classroom after hearing gunshots from another building. They remained inside until police officers reached them and escorted them to safety.

Royal Thai Police spokesperson Trairong Piwpan said the suspected shooter was initially hospitalised in serious condition before later succumbing to his injuries.

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed condolences to the families of those killed and said he had instructed relevant authorities to ensure support for the victims and those injured in the attack.

Second major school shooting this year

The incident comes months after another school shooting in Thailand.

In February, a 17-year-old allegedly stole a firearm from police and opened fire at a public high school in southern Thailand. That attack left one person dead and two others injured, with several people briefly held hostage.

Thailand has witnessed multiple high-profile shooting incidents in recent years. In 2023, a 14-year-old boy was accused of opening fire inside a major shopping mall in Bangkok.

The latest shooting has once again prompted a major police investigation as authorities work to determine what led to Friday's deadly attack.