Thailand school shooting suspect had previously brought air rifle to school, police say

Sunday 09 August 2026 - 12:30

By: Sahili Aya

Thailand school shooting suspect had previously brought air rifle to school, police say

Thai police said on Sunday that the 14-year-old suspect in a deadly school shooting had previously brought an air rifle onto school grounds, while witnesses told investigators that the teenager had shown an interest in firearms for one or two years.

The revelations came as authorities continued investigating the attack at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok.

Police investigate warning signs before the attack

According to police, witnesses said the teenager had developed an interest in firearms over the past year or two and had learned how to use a gun.

Investigators also learned that he had previously taken an air rifle to school. Police are examining these earlier incidents as part of their efforts to establish what may have preceded Friday's violence.

Authorities have also reported that the teenager had watched violent videos.

Attack leaves students and school staff dead

The teenager had been living with his grandparents, according to authorities. Police said he killed his grandparents at their home north of Bangkok on Friday before going to his school, where a shooting followed.

Five teachers and school staff members were killed during the attack, police said. A 12-year-old girl who was wounded later died on Saturday, bringing the reported death toll from the school attack to six.

The incident has prompted renewed attention to safety measures in Thai schools and the warning signs that may emerge before acts of violence.

Investigation continues

Police are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the teenager's access to weapons and his actions before the attack.

The case has also raised questions about how authorities and schools can identify and respond to potentially serious warning signs involving young people, particularly when concerns about weapons or violent material have previously emerged.

The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to establish a complete account of the events leading up to the attack.