In a shocking tragedy outside Bangkok, a 14‑year‑old boy killed his 73‑year‑old grandfather and 74‑year‑old grandmother early Sunday morning. He then drove to Debsirin School in Nonthaburi and opened fire on teachers and classmates, killing eight people total and injuring over 20. The teenager later took his own life, leaving the community shaken.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul vowed to overhaul Thailand’s gun‑law system – restricting firearm carry in public spaces and limiting guns to government officials in uniform. He called the attack “well prepared,” adding that the weapon used was legally registered and the family had forgotten to store it properly. Thailand has about 10.3 million firearms in private hands, with an estimated four million illegal.
The country has strict gun‑control statutes, yet enforcement has been weak, with sentences up to ten years in prison. Anutin previously banned new licenses and import‑restrictions during his interior‑minister term, but critics say tougher measures are still needed to curb gun violence.
Investigators found the teenager’s shots were highly accurate, hitting vital spots, and that videos of U.S. school shootings were found on his devices. He was reported to have spent much time indoors playing violent games and showed no prior warning of violent intentions. His parents had divorced, and he lived with his grandparents.
Debsirin School, founded in 1885, is one of Thailand’s leading secondary schools and has produced many prominent figures. The shooting shocked the nation and prompted calls for stronger gun‑control tactics and better protection for schools worldwide.
