Thailand School Shooting: Suspect Had Watched Foreign School Shooting Videos

The school shooting that occurred in Nonthaburi, Thailand on the 7th has been confirmed to have been carried out by a 14-year-old student. Police have revised the death toll down to 7; previously, he shot and killed his grandparents at home, and later killed two teachers and three other staff members at school.

Authorities had earlier reported a total of 8 deaths, and said that victims included students. The official statement also noted that the teenager was deceased. According to police, as told to AFP, the suspect was confirmed to have committed suicide. Police investigations found that the 9mm handgun used in the attack was registered under the grandfather's name.

According to Thai media, the boy's relatives said he was quiet, well-behaved, had little contact with others, and enjoyed playing computer games. After examining his computer, investigators found that before the incident, he had watched videos of foreign school shootings.

According to the Bangkok Post, Region 1 police commander Watana stated that investigators are examining the boy's computer and other digital evidence. Preliminary investigations indicate that the boy had played computer games containing violent content.

Police said computer records showed that the boy had watched five videos of foreign school shootings from July 30 onward. Police stressed that relevant digital evidence was still being analyzed and that there was no confirmation yet of a direct link between watching the videos and the attack.

Police and forensic personnel discovered the bodies of the boy's 73-year-old grandfather and 74-year-old grandmother at his residence. Preliminary autopsy results showed the grandfather had been shot in the back, with the bullet passing through the chest. The boy's grandmother is believed to have been shot and killed in her sleep.

The neighbors did not initially report hearing gunshots, as the house where the incident occurred is located in a secluded area with few nearby residents.

According to Thai media Thaiger, police investigations found that the boy's parents were divorced, and he had been raised by his grandparents since childhood.

Frequently Bullied by Classmates

17-year-old student Prin said that he was among those who narrowly escaped being shot.

In an interview with AFP outside the school gate, he said: "He is my junior in lower grades, but I always felt he was a troubled student. Friends who know him said he was interested in the FBI and firearms, and he was often bullied by other students."

"When I saw him pointing the gun at me, his movements looked very professional, as if he had been trained for a long time."

The Thai Rath newspaper reported that the shooting has sparked concern over campus bullying, noting that 29% of Thai youths feel lonely, 14% frequently face stress, and another 7% of children and young people are dissatisfied with their lives.