A teacher was fatally shot inside Nongplalai Municipal Kindergarten in Chonburi province at about 11 a.m.; 44 children and three other teachers were evacuated safely and unharmed. Authorities say the suspect, believed to be the victim’s husband and reported to be a local police officer, fled and his home was later surrounded by police. The governor ordered the school closed and mental health support for students and staff. The incident has heightened scrutiny of gun laws and school safety after recent shootings involving teenagers.
Kindergarten Teacher Fatally Shot in Chonburi; 44 Children Evacuated Safely
In this photo released by the Chonburi government's Public Relations Department, police officers gather inside Nongplalai Municipal Kindergarten after a gunman fatally shot a teacher in Chonburi, Thailand, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. (Chonburi Government Public Relations Department via AP)
A gunman shot and killed a kindergarten teacher on Wednesday inside a school building at Nongplalai Municipal Kindergarten in Chonburi province, roughly 150 kilometres (93 miles) southeast of Bangkok, provincial officials said.
The shooting occurred at about 11 a.m. inside the school building. All 44 pupils and three other teachers were evacuated from the scene and reported unharmed, authorities said.
Officials believe the shooter was the victim’s husband. He fled the scene and police later surrounded his residence. Thai media reported the suspect is a police officer assigned to the nearby Bang Lamung station; the Chonburi Provincial Police office said the case remains under investigation and details are being verified.
Local response: Chonburi Governor Narit Niramaiwong ordered the kindergarten to be closed and directed that mental health professionals be made available to support students, parents and staff affected by the incident.
National context: The attack has renewed scrutiny of school safety and firearm controls in Thailand following two recent school-related shootings involving 14-year-old gunmen. In August, a teenage shooter attacked his high school and family home, killing eight people and wounding more than 20 before apparently taking his own life. Earlier this month a 14-year-old was arrested after firing shots at a school in Kamphaeng Phet province; no one was injured.
The national government has ordered a review of gun regulations that includes suspending new purchase permits and reassessing existing licences. Thailand has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in Asia despite relatively strict gun laws, and officials say a recent rise in high-profile attacks has prompted calls for tougher controls.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and asked the public to avoid speculation while they collect evidence and interview witnesses.
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