Bangkok: Thailand is reviewing school safety and mental health measures after a 14-year-old boy allegedly killed eight people in a shooting outside Bangkok, in the country’s deadliest mass shooting since 2022.
Police said the teenager allegedly killed his grandparents at their home before shooting six others at his school and then taking his own life. More than 20 people were reportedly injured in the attack.
Police find warning signs
Deputy Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 1 Atthapol Anusit said investigators found that the boy had shown an interest in firearms for around one to two years.
Police also said the teenager had watched violent content on social media and had used online platforms to learn about firearms. Investigators have so far interviewed 17 witnesses and recovered a firearm, spent cartridges, a knife and a personal computer as part of the investigation.
A teacher had reportedly confiscated a BB gun from the boy after he brought it to school last year.
However, the teenager’s mother told Reuters that she had not noticed any unusual behaviour. She described him as bright and cheerful and said he had denied being bullied when she asked him.
Thailand plans stronger school safeguards
Thailand’s Ministry of Education has announced plans to introduce new safety protocols over the next three months.
The proposed measures include mental health screening, referral systems for students considered at risk, emergency response drills and stronger efforts to prevent bullying.
Authorities also plan to improve measures aimed at detecting and preventing weapons and other prohibited items from being taken into schools.
The tragedy has renewed debate over firearm control in Thailand, which has one of the highest rates of civilian gun ownership in Southeast Asia.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities examine the circumstances surrounding the attack and the factors that may have contributed to the teenager’s actions.