Thailand mourns victims of school shooting as community lays flowers

Mourners gathered outside a high school in Nonthaburi province on Saturday to pay tribute to the victims of a deadly shooting that left at least five people dead and more than 20 wounded.

The attack unfolded around 10 a.m. at Debsirin Nonthaburi School, located northwest of Bangkok. Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee confirmed that five staff members — including teachers and administrators — were killed in the shooting.

Bangyai Hospital, situated roughly 5 kilometers from the school, reported that 23 people were wounded, with 10 in critical condition. Most of the injuries were gunshot wounds.

Authorities said the 14-year-old shooter had also killed his two grandparents at the family home earlier that morning before taking his own life at the school.

On Saturday, a small police presence remained at the school entrance as residents and families laid flowers in remembrance. Among them was Charin Siriananchai, a 45-year-old local resident who brought his two sons, aged 9 and 6, to pay their respects.

Siriananchai, who drives past the school daily and often stops for students crossing the road, expressed the shock felt across the community. "Of course everyone was saddened and shocked, because it was unexpected that this would happen in Thailand, and also it's quite a great loss. Although my sons don't attend this school, I still feel very sad," he said.

The school has announced that all classes will be suspended from August 10 to August 14, with staff instructed to work from home during that period.