BANGKOK, Thailand — Thai police investigating the deadly school shooting near Bangkok say the 14-year-old boy accused of carrying out the attack had previously shown an interest in firearms, watched violent content online and had a BB gun confiscated at school.
The teenager is accused of killing his grandparents at their home before travelling to Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Nonthaburi province on August 7, where he opened fire. The attack left nine people dead, according to the latest police figures, while several others remain hospitalized.
Investigators said the teenager had previously brought a BB gun to school, where it was confiscated by a teacher. Police also found evidence that he had accessed violent material online and had used social media to learn about firearms. Authorities said he had demonstrated an interest in weapons during the previous one to two years.
Police are continuing to investigate what motivated the attack and whether the teenager’s online activity, access to firearms and reported school-related stress played a role. Officials have cautioned against drawing conclusions about the cause of the violence while the investigation remains ongoing.
The firearm used in the attack was legally registered to the teenager’s grandfather, according to authorities. The case has renewed concerns over gun access and youth violence in Thailand, a country with one of Asia’s highest levels of civilian gun ownership.
In response to the tragedy, Thailand’s Ministry of Education has announced plans for stronger school-safety measures, including mental-health screening, emergency drills, anti-bullying initiatives and improved checks for weapons.
The shooting has deeply shocked students, parents and the wider community, while authorities face renewed pressure to strengthen firearm controls and identify warning signs that could help prevent similar attacks.
