14-Year-Old Shoots 8 Dead in Thailand, Prime Minister Announces Stricter Gun Control Laws

July 7 (Sawan 23), Bangkok – A 14-year-old boy in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, opened fire resulting in the deaths of eight people and injuring 22 others.

The incident began with the teenager shooting and killing his grandparents at their home, after which he proceeded to Debsirin School and opened fire there as well.

At the school, five teachers were fatally shot, and one injured student later died during treatment, according to local media reports. The teenager ultimately took his own life.

According to police, the attack started around 5 a.m. local time on Friday when the 14-year-old shot his 73-year-old grandfather and 74-year-old grandmother. He then boarded a bus headed to the school carrying a firearm and several rounds of ammunition, Reuters reported.

He attended his first class at 8:30 a.m., and the second class began at 9:20 a.m. Approximately half an hour into the second class, he pulled out the gun and started shooting. Police stated that he fired at teachers on the sixth floor of the school, killing three there. Additional two victims were shot and killed as he descended the stairs, according to police officials.

Authorities arrived at the scene promptly after the shooting began. Around 10:40 a.m., police found the teenager deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police confirmed that the firearm and ammunition used belonged to the teenager’s grandfather. Both local and international media reported the gun was legally registered and possessed with proper authorization.

Prime Minister Announces New Gun Control Legislation

Following the tragedy, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced plans to enact new laws aimed at tightening gun control.

Anutin stated that the new legislation would ban carrying firearms in public places, allowing only on-duty government officials to be armed in such spaces.

During his tenure as Interior Minister, Anutin had previously implemented measures including a temporary halt on issuing new gun licenses and restrictions on firearm imports.

Although gun laws in Thailand are strict, enforcement has faced significant challenges. Illegal possession of firearms can result in penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment.

Estimates indicate there are about 10.3 million guns owned by civilians in Thailand, of which around 4 million are believed to be held illegally.

Police Confirm Pre-meditation in Attack

National Police Chief General Kittirat Phanphat stated forensic examinations revealed the teenager’s shots were highly accurate, hitting sensitive areas of victims’ bodies.

Prime Minister Anutin also confirmed that the attack was clearly premeditated, with defined stages and specific targets.

Local media reported that police found videos related to school shootings in the United States on the teenager’s electronic devices during investigation.

Family members described the teen as calm and well-behaved. His uncle mentioned that he mostly stayed indoors playing violent video games and rarely went outside. The family had no indication he was planning an attack.

Growing Debate on Gun Control in Thailand

Debsirin School, established in 1885, is one of Thailand’s most prestigious secondary schools, with alumni including diplomats, athletes, and former prime ministers.

The shooting has reignited discussions on gun ownership regulation and enforcement in Thailand.

Prime Minister Anutin has expressed a strong commitment to introducing stricter laws to ban firearms in public places following the incident.