Girl, 12, dies from wounds suffered during Thai school shooting
A 12-year-old girl who was injured during a mass shooting at a school outside Bangkok, Thailand, has died from her wounds, becoming the first child casualty of the attack which has shaken the nation.
A student shot and killed his grandparents at home before opening fire at a school outside Bangkok, fatally shooting five teachers before turning the gun on himself, Thai police said.
Police stand outside the home of a student who shot several people Friday at the Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Thailand’s Nonthaburi province. Sakchai Lalit
The 14-year-old stormed the Debsirin Nonthaburi School, where he was enrolled, on Friday morning local time.
Police say he had already killed his grandmother and grandfather at the residence they shared.
Authorities said a 12-year-old girl, a student at the school, had died of injuries sustained in the shooting overnight, making her the first child confirmed to have been killed in the attack.
The high school released a statement as the news of her death was announced, expressing “deepest condolences and profound sorrow” over her passing.
Yesterday the school shared a heartfelt tribute on its website to the five staff members killed in the shooting, along with their portraits in black and white, saying their “goodness and virtue” and “spirit as teachers will remain in our memories forever.”
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They were named as deputy head teacher Kittipong Somrat; math teacher Prapaporn Konsila; Thai language teacher Nantchanatporn Nakplang; guidance teacher Tiwaporn Wanich; and secretary Saifon Sirikitchakajorn.
Nantchanatporn, previously a student at the school, was described as a “much-loved” teacher who dedicated her life “completely” to the school, according to local media reports.
Just two days before the attack, Tiwaporn was recognised with a certificate as an outstanding teacher, Bangkok-based news outlet Khaosod English reported.
An initial death toll indicating three teachers and three students were killed at the school was later revised down by Thailand’s Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul.
The death toll from the student’s attack has now reached eight.
Debsirin Nonthaburi School, Thailand, posted a photo of the five teachers killed in the attack. Debsirin Nonthaburi School
He noted the tragedy could have been even worse, as the gunman still had more than 30 rounds of ammunition when the attack ended.
Addressing a potential motive, the prime minister said the teenager was reportedly under severe stress related to his studies.
However, speaking to CNN, the boy’s father expressed shock, saying his son had “good school results” and that he had no idea why the attack occurred.
Police showed an image of what’s believed to be the suspect’s gun and ammunition in the school. Bangkok Police via CNN
Verified classroom footage captured terrified students sobbing and huddling under desks as gunfire echoed nearby, while other videos showed staff helping frantic children evacuate the premises.
Responders described scenes of “total chaos,” treating students for gunshot wounds to their back, chest, and arms.
At least 30 people were injured in the spree.
In the wake of the event, Charnvirakul vowed to enact nationwide gun control reforms to ensure the nation does not see a repeat of the senseless tragedy.
“From now on, checks will be made and if civilians are found to be carrying arms illegally, they will be arrested,” he said.
People evacuate from around Debsirin Nonthaburi School. Wason Wanichakorn
Shooting spree
Using what police said was his grandfather’s handgun, the suspect opened fire at the well-known secondary school of about 3000 students, located on a busy highway in the Bang Kruai district of Thailand’s Nonthaburi province.
The nation’s PM later told reporters that the gunman had died after he turned the weapon on himself.
The suspect was previously in a critical condition after the shooting, with doctors providing emergency treatment.
An 18-year-old student told Reuters that he initially thought firecrackers were going off.
“Then it started getting more frequent, like ‘bang, bang, bang’ and then it went quiet at one point. And the shooting started again,” they said.
Another student said he first heard what he thought was someone shooting at birds during his English class.
Shortly after, another child ran in to inform them of the shooting.
The class immediately scrambled to barricade the room, pushing tables and chairs against the door and turning off the lights.
Looking out of the classroom window, the student said he saw the shooter carrying a gun and walking to the building where his class was located.
Those inside the room crouched down on the floor in the darkness, waiting for help for 30 minutes.
“Luckily, no one in our classroom was injured. The shooter only walked past our classroom,” he said, according to Khaosod English, a Bangkok-based news outlet.
Concerned parents rushed to the school as news of the shooting spread.
The son of CNN’s senior travel producer Karla Cripps attends the school but was overseas at the time of the shooting, which began at about 10am local time.
Students cry after a shooting at the Debsirin Nonthaburi School, north of Bangkok. AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit
“My son called me from Japan in a panic, telling me that he’d heard there was a shooting at his school. The kids were told to lock down in their classrooms, and he obviously was very upset,” Cripps said from outside the school.
Cripps said there was a “really sad atmosphere” at the school as ambulances streamed in and out, and parents comforted their children.
“My son heard his friend’s brother is in the hospital right now. He’s among the injured… It’s been terrible for everyone.”
Police say before the attack, the suspect had searched for and viewed websites related to mass shootings, with local media reporting he specifically studied an American school shooting.
Authorities have seized nine computers or electronic devices from the suspect’s residence as part of their investigation.
The UN children’s agency (UNICEF) said the young age of the suspect raises “difficult questions” for society as it called for better mental health services for children following the attack.
UNICEF suggested improving mental health services for children and “working to make all schools free of all forms of violence, including emotional and physical violence.”
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat said Friday a new mental health action plan to support teachers and students would be announced following the shooting.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s Ministry of Education pledged tighter security measures at schools.
The ministry promised a fresh review of security procedures in schools, particularly measures to prevent weapons and other dangerous items from being brought onto school premises.
It also announced financial compensation to the families of those who were killed and injured in the shooting, including 20,000 Thai Baht ($AUD 860) for each victim who lost their lives, and 5000 Thai Baht ($AUD 215) for each person who sustained injuries.
First responders and others stand inside after the school shooting. AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit
Handgun found at school
A photo provided to CNN by a police official in Bangkok shows a single handgun and multiple rounds of ammunition scattered on the floor inside the school.
Emergency worker Kiatikhun Verapongpradith described performing CPR on the wounded gunman.
“We rushed up and found that the perpetrator had shot himself in the right side of the head and collapsed,” he told Reuters.
“As soon as we saw signs of life, we had the team bring a board to carry him to the hospital.”
He was later confirmed dead.
Gun ownership in Thailand is high, compared with other countries in South-East Asia.
There were more than 10.3 million civilian-owned firearms in Thailand, or around 15 guns for every 100 people, according to 2017 data from the Switzerland-based Small Arms Survey (SAS).
Gun ownership is legal in Thailand with a license, although a person must fit certain criteria, including being at least 20 years old and not having a serious criminal record.
If you or someone you know is in need of support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue. In the event of an emergency dial Triple Zero (000).
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