15-Year-Old Student Opens Fire at School in Kamphaeng Phet

A 15-year-old Grade 9 student receiving treatment for depression fired a 9mm pistol at a school in Nakhon Chum District, Muang Kamphaeng Phet, causing panic and forcing teachers and students to flee. Police brought the boy for a reconstruction of events at multiple locations from the guard post to the school building, finding him calm and showing no signs of distress.

Deputy Commander Aneuk Chansri of Kamphaeng Phet Provincial Police revealed that the suspect had damaged a car and stolen his father's pistol—the father is a police officer at Muang Kamphaeng Phet Station. Due to the boy's lack of weapon skills, his shots were warning shots fired at groups of people, with most rounds fired into the air. Fortunately, no one was injured, and damage was limited to school property. The boy had walked from the school entrance toward the classroom building looking for a particular teacher but did not find him. The school's prior training in "run, hide, fight" protocols helped prevent casualties. The gunman fired a total of six times, mostly into the air.

The motive is believed to stem from depression the student is being treated for, and possibly from a two-week suspension from school that may have bred resentment toward the teacher involved. His elder half-brother stated he does not live with the boy full-time but acknowledged he plays games regularly. The brother appealed to the public not to rush to blame video games, saying the younger brother never confided his personal problems. He apologized on behalf of the family, adding that if anyone deserves blame, it should be himself for lacking sufficient time and opportunity to mentor his younger brother.

The school has suspended on-site classes for two days and switched to online instruction, assuring parents that safety measures will return to normal soon.