In brief
In Bangkok, a 14‑year‑old teenager used his grandfather’s handgun to shoot his grandparents and then fired at classmates, killing seven people. The suspect subsequently attempted suicide, with authorities confirming he used a handgun in the attacks. The school, located in Thailand’s capital, is now an investigative scene under police control. The incident adds to rising fears of youth‑armed violence in the region. BBC Southeast Asia correspondent Jonathan Head delivers front‑line coverage as authorities investigate the motive and procurement of the weapon.
At least seven students have been killed and several more injured in a brutal shooting that unfolded at a school in Bangkok, Thailand's capital. The perpetrator, a 14‑year‑old junior high student, first used a handgun borrowed from his grandfather to murder his grandparents before turning the same weapon on his classmates.
Investigations show the boy’s use of the firearm led to a prolonged shooting that left multiple victims dead on the school lawn and campus. After the attack, the suspect attempted suicide by reloading the handgun and holding it to his own head, but he was unable to complete the act.
Authorities confirmed that the handgun had been kept in the home of the victim’s grandfather and was not a formal firearm purchase. Police are examining how the boy accessed the weapon and whether any other weapons were involved.
BBC Southeast Asia correspondent Jonathan Head reports live from the scene and outlines the emerging facts. He notes that the school’s security footage is being reviewed while first responders attended to the wounded.
This tragic incident comes at a time when concerns over gun violence are on the rise in Thailand, sparking a debate on stricter controls and youth protection measures. The ongoing investigation will likely bring new insights into the chain of events that led to this deadly outbreak of violence.
