Teen Gunman Shoots School Director and Takes 300 Students Hostage in Hat Yai

HAT YAI — An 18-year-old gunman shot and wounded a school director and held more than 300 students hostage at a school in Hat Yai district on 11 February 2026 before police shot and arrested him, authorities said. The incident occurred at about 16:30 at Phatong Prathankhiriwat School in Phatong subdistrict. Several people were injured, but the exact number was not immediately confirmed. Police identified the suspect as Khemanan Kescharoen, 18, a resident of Hat Yai. Investigators said that prior to the school attack, officers from Thung Lung Police Station had responded to a report of an 18-year-old man allegedly attempting to assault his mother at a house near the school. While officers were trying to calm the situation, the suspect allegedly seized an M4 rifle from police and fled into the school compound. He reportedly approached the security booth and attempted to shoot a security guard, but the weapon malfunctioned, allowing the guard to escape. The suspect then forced students to take him to the school director and fired two shots, wounding the director. Police later evacuated the injured director to hospital. The director's condition was not disclosed. Authorities said more than 300 students were held inside a classroom building at one point during the standoff. Other students were unable to leave the premises. Hat Yai police, special operations officers and rescue workers cordoned off the area and evacuated those in safe zones while negotiators were deployed. During the standoff, the suspect reportedly fired intermittently and used a loudspeaker to warn police not to enter. At about 18:30, police shot the suspect and took him into custody. Authorities said the situation was brought under control and all students were safely evacuated. The motive is under investigation.