14-Year-Old Student Kills 8, Injures 23: Kills Himself

A 14-year-old student in Thailand carried out a school shooting, killing nine people and injuring 23 others, raising fresh concerns about gun access and school safety.

A 14-year-old student carried out a shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Thailand’s Nonthaburi province on 7 August 2026, killing several people and injuring students. It became Thailand’s deadliest school shooting in recent years.

The boy, identified as Patchata Yimruang, was a Grade 9 student. He had been living with his grandparents after his parents separated. Before going to school, he reportedly took his grandfather’s legally owned gun and killed both his grandparents at their home.

Patchata then travelled to school in the regular school vehicle, carrying the gun and ammunition. After attending classes for some time, he reportedly opened fire inside the school building. He targeted classrooms and school staff and later locked himself inside a computer room.

Students ran from the building or hid inside classrooms. Some pushed desks against doors and switched off the lights to stay safe. Several students and staff members were injured during the attack.

Police reached the school after receiving an emergency call at around 9:57 a.m. The teenager later shot himself and died after the attack. A 12-year-old girl who was injured died in hospital the next day, taking the total number of deaths to nine, including the attacker.

Police later said Patchata had shown an interest in guns for around one to two years. A BB gun had reportedly been taken from him at school the previous year. Investigators also found ammunition, a knife and a computer, and said he had searched for firearm-related information and violent content online.

His family said they did not know why he carried out the attack. Relatives said he had been under study-related stress, while his parents described him as a bright and cheerful child.

The shooting has renewed concerns in Thailand about gun access and school safety. The government has announced financial support for victims' families, while King Vajiralongkorn also provided support for funeral expenses and medical treatment.

Thailand’s Education Ministry has temporarily closed the school and is planning stronger safety measures, including mental-health support, emergency drills, anti-bullying programmes and stricter measures to prevent weapons from being brought into schools.