Frequent Shootings Spark Panic, Bangkok Schools Step Up Security Measures

Following the shooting incident in Nonthaburi Province on August 7, the Thai government has ordered stricter controls in schools nationwide. At that time, a 14-year-old boy shot and killed his grandparents, five school staff members, and one student, before taking his own life.

On the 14th, an AFP reporter visited Sawasdee School in Bangkok and found students quietly standing outside the school while teachers, implementing new security measures, checked their backpacks, pockets, and even pencil cases.

Principal Supharong supervised this new inspection in person and told reporters: "Incidents like these should never happen at schools."

He stated that he hopes these checks can ensure that “parents can feel at ease” and reassure them that school is a safe place where “parents can trust that their children spend every day here safely.”

Sawasdee School is a modest public school located in a wealthy central district, with more than 500 students aged between 6 and 12, and 30 teachers.

On the morning of that day, six teachers carefully checked students’ backpacks and searched every pocket as students arrived to start classes.

Supharong, who has more than 20 years of educational experience, said: "Previously, we would only randomly check the bags of older students or those with behavioral problems... but now we do this for everyone."

This week, the Bangkok government ordered all schools under its jurisdiction to conduct weapon screenings, maintain round-the-clock security, and implement strict regulations for visitors. These measures have received support from some parents.

Parent Araya (37) said as she dropped off her daughter, a fifth grader: "School should be a safe haven for children." She said the shooting in Nonthaburi last Friday made her anxious.

Talking about the new measures, she believed they would help, and said, “If parents can cooperate with the school, I think it will be more effective.”

The principal added that the school has been working with local police to hold emergency drills once every semester.

Every day, two security guards and six teachers take turns to ensure every child is safely picked up by their parents. But he said his school needs more funding to implement the necessary changes.

He mentioned that all four floors of the school are equipped with CCTV cameras, but some are already broken and more need to be installed.