Thai police say teen shooter accessed violent online content and had air gun seized previously
Thai authorities say the 14-year-old who killed six people at a school had watched violent social-media videos and previously had a BB gun taken by a teacher, while the education ministry plans new safety measures.
Thai police said the 14-year-old who carried out a school shooting near Bangkok had used social media to learn about firearms and had previously been found with a BB gun that a teacher confiscated. Deputy commissioner Atthapol Anusit told reporters that witness interviews indicated the boy had been interested in firearm use for one to two years and that a computer examination revealed he had watched violent content online, though no proof of shooting practice was found. Police have interviewed 17 witnesses and recovered a knife, spent cartridge cases and a personal computer from the scene.
The boy’s mother described him as “bright” and “cheerful,” saying she saw no signs of trouble or bullying. She said she was unaware of his involvement until after the attack and expressed remorse for the tragedy.
The Ministry of Education announced it will draft new safety protocols within three months, including mental-health screenings, referral systems for at-risk students, emergency-response drills, anti-bullying initiatives and stricter checks on items brought into schools. The incident, which left six dead and more than 20 injured, has revived debate over gun control in Thailand.