School Evacuated After Shooting Threats Posted Online
Phrae school was evacuated after threatening messages appeared in a student chat group on August 12, prompting authorities to increase security and question a 19-year-old former student with a psychiatric history.
On August 13, Somchai Lertsawatphan, Phrae Provincial Governor, convened an urgent meeting with all school administrators to enforce comprehensive security upgrades following the online threats. The incident began on the evening of August 12 when students and parents at the prominent Phrae school discovered threatening messages in an open chat group that appeared to warn of violent action at the campus.
On the morning of August 13, the school principal and Dr. Rungarun Pongkern, director of the Phrae Secondary Education Area Office, coordinated with relevant agencies to implement heightened monitoring and protective measures for students, teachers, and staff. They stressed that safety protocols must be systematic and applied across all schools in the jurisdiction. School conditions remained normal while staff increased continuous patrols to reassure students, teachers, and parents as the situation developed.
One female student stated she felt worried and afraid by the messages but continued attending school as usual, believing education was important and with parental permission, though she was advised to be extra cautious.
Meanwhile, Surachai Chanmani, Chief of Muang Phrae Police Station, ordered patrols to monitor the school grounds in coordination with administrative officials, health officers, and education authorities to prevent and watch for any incidents.
Later, Phongdech Khamchaichuk, Phrae Provincial Police Commander, received reports and invited Frank, a 19-year-old from Rong Kwang District who was a former student of the school, for questioning at Muang Phrae Police Station over suspected involvement in sending the threatening messages.
Background checks revealed he is an alumnus of the school and has a history of psychiatric treatment and care at Rong Kwang Hospital and Phrae Hospital. Officers proceeded with standard procedures, documented the information, and referred him for continued care.
