Dozens gathered at Wat Lat Pla Duk in Nonthaburi to mourn 12-year-old Naphat Chaima, who died after a 14-year-old attacker shot his grandparents at home and then six people at a school before killing himself. Investigators are examining the teenager's devices and witness testimony to determine a motive; they found evidence he watched violent videos online and had previously brought a BB gun to school. Psychologists and school staff are supporting grieving students and families, and officials have pledged tougher gun laws amid concerns over Thailand's high civilian firearm numbers.
Thailand Mourns 12-Year-Old Naphat Chaima After Devastating Home and School Shooting
Officials carry a computer out of the house where a teenager is suspected of killing his grandparents before carrying out a school shooting north of Thailand's capital Bangkok. (Chanakarn LAOSARAKHAM)
Dozens of grieving students, parents and teachers gathered at Wat Lat Pla Duk temple in Nonthaburi on Sunday to hold funerary rites for 12-year-old Naphat Chaima, one of the victims of a combined home and school shooting that shocked communities north of Bangkok.
Authorities say a 14-year-old attacker fatally shot the grandparents who raised him at their home on Friday, then used his grandfather's handgun to kill six people at a school before turning the gun on himself. Naphat died in hospital on Saturday after suffering gunshot wounds at the school; five teachers and other school staff were among those killed, police said.
Investigators are still seeking a clear motive. Officials reported that they had reviewed the teenager's computer and phone, and found evidence he watched violent videos online. Officers also learned the boy had previously brought a BB gun to school, which a teacher confiscated, and classmates said he experienced bullying and academic stress.
Local Response and Support
Mourners dressed in black took turns gently pouring water over the girl's hand in a ceremonial bathing ritual while others lit incense and prayed. School staff and volunteers arranged for psychologists to speak with grieving children accompanied by their parents.
"She was a good kid. A kid who loved to do every activity," the girl's music teacher said, declining to give her name. "She loved to dance."
Relatives, classmates and neighbours expressed anger, confusion and sorrow, and some called for tighter campus security while acknowledging the difficulty of preventing such a sudden and tragic act.
Investigation and Wider Concerns
Deputy police commander Atthapol Anusit said investigators had interviewed 17 witnesses and were examining digital devices to determine the "real cause of the shooting." Local media quoted the boy's father apologising "to society for what my son did." Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the teenager had faced study-related stress and noted the shooter's grandmother, who was among the victims, had been a former teacher who was strict about his studies.
Thailand has one of the region's highest rates of civilian firearm ownership, with roughly 10 million firearms estimated to be in circulation—about one for every seven people. Officials vowed to pursue tougher gun laws in the wake of the attack, though previous pledges have not prevented similar incidents.
Authorities continue their inquiries into motive and how the firearm and ammunition reached the school. Community leaders and mental health professionals say they will focus on supporting students and families as the investigation proceeds.
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