Thai police said the 14-year-old accused of a school shooting outside Bangkok had previously had a BB gun confiscated and watched violent content online. Investigators recovered a firearm, spent cartridges, a knife and a personal computer and have interviewed 17 witnesses. The suspect allegedly killed his grandparents before attacking his school and then took his own life. The Education Ministry will roll out new safety protocols within three months, including mental health screening, referrals, drills and anti-bullying measures.
Thai Teen Accused in Deadly School Rampage Watched Violent Online Content, Police Say; Education Ministry Promises New Safety Measures
Flowers and pictures of teachers killed are left outside Debsirin Nonthaburi School following a deadly shooting at the school, in Bang Kruai district in Nonthaburi province, on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand, August 9, 2026. REUTERS/Valeria Mongelli
Thai authorities said the 14-year-old accused of a deadly school attack outside Bangkok had viewed violent material online and used social media to research firearms, as the government announced plans to strengthen school safety.
Police allege the boy first killed his grandparents at their home before travelling to his school, where he fatally shot six more people and then turned the weapon on himself. More than 20 people were injured in the incident, which officials describe as Thailand's deadliest mass shooting since 2022.
Evidence and investigation. Investigators recovered a firearm, spent cartridge cases, a knife found in the suspect's bag, and a personal computer. After forensic checks, police said the computer showed the teenager had viewed violent content on social media, though detectives have not found evidence he had practised shooting. Officers have interviewed 17 witnesses so far, the deputy commissioner of Provincial Police Region 1 told reporters.
People leave flowers outside Debsirin Nonthaburi School following a deadly shooting at the school, in Bang Kruai district in Nonthaburi province, on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand, August 9, 2026. REUTERS/Valeria Mongelli
"According to witness interviews, the perpetrator had begun showing interest in studying the use of firearms for some time, about one to two years," Atthapol Anusit said.
Police also said a teacher confiscated a BB (air) gun the boy had brought to school last year. Authorities noted the suspect had lived with his grandparents for about 12 years after his parents separated.
Government response and school safety plans. The Ministry of Education said it will develop new safety protocols over the next three months. Planned measures include mental health screenings, a referral system to connect at-risk students with specialists, regular emergency drills, anti-bullying initiatives and improved detection to prevent weapons or dangerous items from being brought into schools.
Wider context. The attack has reignited debate in Thailand about firearms control and school security. Investigations remain ongoing as authorities examine digital evidence and witness accounts to build a clearer picture of the motive and timeline.
Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat; writing by John Mair; editing by Lincoln Feast. Source: Reuters.
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