A 14-year-old student opened fire at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Thailand on Friday, killing six people, including teachers and classmates, before taking his own life in one of the country's deadliest school shootings in recent years.

The attack, which also left 22 people injured, occurred at around 10 a.m. local time in Nonthaburi province on the outskirts of Bangkok. Authorities later revealed that the teenager had allegedly killed his grandparents at home before carrying out the attack at school.

Gunfire Triggers Panic

According to Thai authorities, the Grade 9 student entered the school armed with a 9mm handgun and fired 26 rounds, sending students and staff scrambling for safety.

Teachers immediately locked classrooms, switched off lights and instructed students to lie on the floor while emergency responders rushed to the campus.

Several students escaped by climbing over school fences, while others remained trapped inside classrooms until security personnel secured the building.

Emergency teams evacuated the injured to nearby hospitals as police cordoned off the campus.

Victims Include Teachers and Students

Officials confirmed that six victims were killed inside the school, although authorities have released differing breakdowns of the casualties. Initial reports indicated that both teachers and students were among those who died.

The teenage gunman later shot himself inside the school building. Rescue workers attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but he succumbed to his injuries.

Authorities also confirmed that the suspect's grandparents were found dead at their residence. Investigators believe they were killed before the teenager left for school.

Shooter Described as Quiet Student

Thai officials have not publicly identified the suspect because he was a minor.

Investigators said the handgun used in the attack belonged to his grandfather, who was a teacher.

Teachers described the boy as an academically capable student with no known history of violent behaviour. Officials also said he was an avid gamer, though investigators have not suggested any direct link between gaming and the shooting.

Police are continuing to investigate the motive behind the attack.

Prime Minister Expresses Grief

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed condolences to the victims' families, calling the tragedy deeply distressing.

He said the government would provide support to affected families while ensuring a thorough investigation into the incident.

The shooting has once again intensified debate over firearm access, school security and youth mental health in Thailand.

Questions Over Gun Control

The latest tragedy has renewed scrutiny of Thailand's gun laws and the accessibility of firearms.

Although the country has relatively strict licensing regulations, gun violence remains a recurring concern, with several high-profile mass shootings reported in recent years.

Among the deadliest incidents was the October 2022 daycare centre attack, in which a former police officer killed 36 people, including 22 children, before taking his own life. In 2020, an army sergeant killed 29 people during a shooting spree in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Security experts say the latest attack is likely to revive discussions on firearm storage practices, school emergency preparedness and mental health intervention programmes for young people.

Authorities have launched a full investigation into Friday's shooting and are expected to release additional findings after forensic examinations and witness interviews are completed.