Thai teen taught himself gun handling online before killing eight in school shooting

Thai officials report that a 14-year-old who taught himself to handle a firearm through social media first killed his grandparents at their home using the grandfather’s handgun, then traveled to Debsirin Nonthaburi School and opened fire on teachers and pupils, resulting in eight fatalities before he turned the gun on himself. Senior police official Atthapol Anusit said 17 witnesses have been questioned and that evidence includes the gun, spent cartridges, the teen’s mobile phone, a knife and online activity showing exposure to violent content.

While no formal shooting practice was found, the boy had earlier been caught with a BB gun ordered online. The shooter lived with his grandparents after his parents separated, and his mother described him as a normally bright and cheerful child. The tragedy, the deadliest school shooting in Thailand in years, has led Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to pledge new gun control measures, while mourners gathered at a local temple and school to honor the victims.