A TEENAGE student killed his grandparents before opening fire at a secondary school in Thailand on Friday, killing three teachers and three students, Thailand’s police said.
The suspect, who was a student at the school in Bang Kruai district, Nonthaburi province, first used his grandfather’s handgun to shoot his grandparents at their home before travelling to the school north of Bangkok, according to the national police.
Police said the gunman fired 26 rounds during the attack, while another 34 rounds of ammunition were recovered at the scene.
Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee said 15 students were injured while attempting to escape the attack, although they were not hit by gunfire.
The suspect was also reported dead following the incident, with conflicting reports from local media suggesting he either took his own life or was shot by police. Authorities had yet to provide official confirmation.
Images released by local media showed the suspect wearing a purple school uniform and carrying a black cross-body bag, with bullet casings scattered on the ground.
The shooting occurred at the secondary school in Nonthaburi province at about 10am local time, according to Thai media reports.
National police spokesperson Trairong Phiwphan said seven people, including the gunman, were killed while 15 others were injured.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed condolences to the victims’ families and said relevant authorities had been instructed to provide assistance and support.
Education Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong said all agencies under the Ministry of Education had been directed to coordinate closely with relevant authorities to prioritise the safety of students, teachers and school personnel.
He also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information and said comprehensive support, including physical and psychological assistance, would be provided to those affected.
Thailand has one of the highest rates of civilian firearm ownership in Southeast Asia, with estimates suggesting around 10 million firearms are in circulation — equivalent to roughly one firearm for every seven people.
The latest attack has renewed concerns over firearm access, school safety and mental health support in Thailand following previous incidents of gun violence in educational institutions. - August 7, 2026
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