A 14-year-old boy accused of carrying out a deadly shooting at a school in Thailand had reportedly learnt how to handle and use firearms through social media, police said as investigators continued to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack.

The teenager allegedly killed his grandparents at their home before going to Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, where he opened fire.

Eight people, including the teenager, were killed in the incident, while more than 20 others were injured.

Investigators are now examining the teenager's digital activity, family circumstances and relationships with classmates as they try to determine what led to the shooting.

Police Examine Online Activity

Senior police official Atthapol Anusit said investigators had questioned 17 witnesses as part of the probe.

Police believe the attack may have been planned, although authorities have not yet established a definitive motive.

Investigators examining the teenager's computer reportedly found violent material that he had accessed through social media. Police also believe he used online content to learn about firearms.

Authorities, however, have not found evidence that the teenager underwent formal firearms training or regularly practised shooting at a range.

The investigation is continuing to determine how he acquired the knowledge and access needed to use the weapon.

BB Gun Had Been Confiscated

Police said the teenager had previously brought a BB gun to school, prompting a teacher to confiscate it last year.

The air gun had reportedly been purchased online.

Investigators have since collected the firearm allegedly used in the latest attack, along with spent cartridge cases and other items recovered from the scene.

The teenager's mobile phone and computer are also being examined as police attempt to establish his activities and communications before the shooting.

A knife found inside the bag he carried to school has also been taken as evidence.

Family Background Under Investigation

The teenager had been living with his grandparents since he was about two years old after his parents separated.

According to police, he allegedly used a handgun belonging to his grandfather to shoot his grandparents at their home before travelling to the school.

He then allegedly opened fire on teachers and students before turning the weapon on himself.

Police are examining whether academic pressure, family circumstances, disagreements with friends or exposure to violent material online may have played a role.

Authorities have not confirmed that any one of these factors was responsible for the attack.

Mother Expresses Shock

The teenager's mother told Reuters that she was devastated by what had happened.

She described her son as a bright and cheerful child who appeared to behave normally and said the family had not anticipated such an incident.

The boy's father has also reportedly apologised for his son's actions, according to local media.

A teacher who knew the teenager described him as a good student who performed well academically. Education officials also said he was an avid gamer.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has suggested that the teenager's grandmother, who worked as a teacher, may have been strict with him, although authorities have not established whether this had any connection to the shooting.

Focus Turns to Gun Safety

The attack has renewed concerns about firearm access and school security in Thailand.

Thailand has one of the higher levels of civilian gun ownership in Southeast Asia, and previous shootings have repeatedly prompted debate over tighter controls and safer storage of firearms.

The latest case has also brought renewed attention to the influence of violent online content and the ability of young people to access information about weapons through digital platforms.

The government has said it plans to introduce additional measures aimed at improving firearm safety and strengthening security around schools.

For investigators, the immediate priority remains establishing how the teenager obtained the weapon, what he did online before the attack and whether anyone else was aware of his plans.

The findings could influence the government's response to both firearm access and online exposure among young people following one of Thailand's latest school shooting tragedies.

A former Thai lawmaker shot a senior local official and his driver in Thailand's Nonthaburi province on Monday, just days after a separate shooting at a school in the same province left several people dead.

The incident involved 71-year-old Chalong Reawraeng, a former three-term member of Parliament from Nonthaburi. He allegedly shot Thongchai Yenprasert, president of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation, along with his driver.

Both victims were taken to hospital for treatment. Thongchai is a former police officer.

Shooting announced during livestream

The incident took an unusual turn after Chalong contacted a YouTuber who was conducting a livestream following the shooting.

According to reports cited by BBC News, Chalong told the YouTuber that he had shot Thongchai. The conversation was captured during the livestream.

The YouTuber, identified as former journalist Anchalee Paireerak, could be heard urging Chalong not to leave the location and to wait for police.

"Did he die? Did he die? You shot him in the head? You need to wait there for the cops. Don't go anywhere," Paireerak was heard saying during the conversation.

Police subsequently apprehended Chalong. Authorities have not yet publicly established a motive for the shooting.

Possible dispute under investigation

Local media reports have suggested that Chalong told journalists after his arrest that he was angry because Thongchai had refused to grant a favour he had requested.

The claim has not been established as the official motive, and investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged request and the events leading up to the shooting.

Officials have yet to provide a detailed account of the sequence of events or clarify whether the weapon used in the attack was legally owned.

Comes after school shooting

The latest incident occurred only three days after a deadly shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Bang Kruai district.

In that earlier incident, a 14-year-old boy reportedly killed his grandparents at their home before opening fire at the school. At least six people were killed at the school before the teenager died by suicide, according to reports.

The two shootings have occurred within a short period in the same province, raising fresh concerns over gun violence. However, authorities have so far provided no indication that the two incidents are connected.

The investigation into Chalong's shooting remains separate from the school case.

Former lawmaker's political career

Chalong has had a long political career in Thailand and served three terms as an MP representing Nonthaburi.

He was previously associated with the Pheu Thai Party and later contested the most recent election unsuccessfully as a candidate for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's Bhumjaithai Party.

Chalong was also known by the nickname "cobra", a term sometimes used in Thai politics for lawmakers who break with their party's position.

His political history includes an incident in 1997 when he reportedly went against his party's instructions and supported a prime ministerial candidate from another political party.

Police investigation continues

Authorities are now investigating the shooting, including the relationship between Chalong and Thongchai, the circumstances surrounding the alleged request, and the events immediately before the attack.

The condition of the two injured victims has not been fully disclosed in the initial reports.

The shooting has added to concerns surrounding gun violence in Thailand, particularly because it occurred only days after a separate deadly attack involving a school.

Police are expected to provide further details as the investigation progresses.