18-Year-Old Suspect Steals Gun, Storms School in Hat Yai, Shoots Director, Takes Over 300 Students Hostage

On February 11, 2024, a suspect aged around 18 used a stolen police firearm to storm Phatong Thankhiriwat School in Hat Yai, Songkhla province. The suspect first attempted to shoot a security guard, then entered the school and took over 300 students hostage. He shot the school director twice, causing injuries. Police have surrounded the area and are negotiating with the suspect, who continues to hold students captive and periodically fires his weapon.