Tragedy Strikes Thai School: Student Gunman Kills Six

A horrific incident unfolded at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Nonthaburi, located northwest of Bangkok, when a 14-year-old student opened fire, claiming the lives of six people and injuring fifteen others. Two individuals sustained critical injuries.

The suspected shooter, identified as ninth-grade student Dechrapee Kongdee, was later discovered dead. Witnesses reported that the teenager moved through the school, firing indiscriminately, causing widespread panic as students and staff fled.

One student recounted hearing what he initially believed to be firecrackers before realizing the gravity of the situation. “There were many shots: bang bang bang. Then it went quiet. Then it started again,” he described.

Emergency services were promptly dispatched to the scene, with authorities working to secure the area and urging the public to keep clear. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed his deep sorrow and confusion over the event, questioning how such an act could occur given the nation’s strict firearm regulations.

“This is really bad, it shouldn’t have happened. I don’t just feel sorry for the victims but I feel sorry that this happened. How can this happen in our country?” he stated. He reiterated that the government’s stance is against civilian firearm possession.

While Thailand has stringent laws against illegal firearms, the country has seen a notable rate of civilian gun ownership and several fatal shootings in recent years. This incident echoes past tragedies, including a 2023 shooting in southern Thailand that killed a principal and a student, and another in Bangkok last year where five people lost their lives.

Debsirin Nonthaburi School is part of a well-regarded educational network, with its original branch in Bangkok founded in 1885 and known for educating many prominent Thai figures. The Nonthaburi branch itself is recognized for its educational prestige.

Source: Nile Post