Police Investigate Deadly Shooting at Nonthaburi School

NONTHABURI, Aug 7 (TNA) - Thai police are investigating a mass shooting at a high school in Nonthaburi province on Friday, which left seven people dead, including the gunman, and dozens injured.

According to police and emergency services, the suspect, identified as a male ninth-grade student, used a 9mm handgun to open fire on students and teachers at Building 5 of the school. He then attempted to enter Building 4, but staff and students had locked the classroom doors, preventing further casualties.

Seven people died, including the suspect, who suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head on a balcony while fleeing police officers attempting to negotiate his surrender. Paramedics performed CPR on the suspect, but he was later pronounced dead. At least 15 students aged between 12 and 18 were injured, with two in critical condition.

A search of the suspect's backpack revealed a pistol magazine loaded with more than 38 rounds of ammunition, according to a Ruamkatanyu Foundation rescue volunteer at the scene.

Over 90% of the students have been evacuated, while authorities continue searching the premises for any remaining individuals hiding inside.

Eye-witnesses described chaotic scenes as students fled the campus. "I heard a gunshot, followed by several more," said a student who witnessed the incident. "At first, I thought someone was playing, but then I called my friends to hide in the room. He shot someone under Building 5, then moved through the floors shooting randomly."

Thailand's Prime Minister expressed deep sadness over the tragedy, calling it terrible and stating it should never have happened. The Prime Minister stated that the event underscores the necessity of strict firearm possession laws within the country.

Police have secured the area and an investigation into the motive behind the attack remains ongoing.

In a related development, the bodies of the gunman's grandparents were found dead inside their home. -819 (TNA)