Debsirin Nonthaburi School shooting suspect researched firearms for years
The 12 year old schoolgirl lost her life while receiving treatment on Saturday, August 8, raising the death toll from the shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School to nine. Police revealed that the young gunman had researched firearms online for around two years prior to the incident.
The school confirmed the girl’s death on its official Facebook page on Saturday. She was the ninth person to die following the shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Nonthaburi province on Friday, August 7.
The deceased included five teachers, the grandparents of the young suspect and the suspect himself. The suspect reportedly suffered injuries after the shooting and later died while being transported to hospital.
Among the five teachers who died was the school’s deputy director. The other deceased teachers included a guidance counsellor, a Thai language teacher and a mathematics teacher.
According to Thai PBS, 27 people were injured in the shooting. Fifteen remained under treatment at eight medical facilities in Nonthaburi and nearby provinces, with six of those injured reportedly in critical condition.
Police provided further details of the investigation yesterday, August 9. Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 1 Atthaphon Anusit said officers had questioned nearly 20 people, including the suspect’s classmates and teachers.
A Thai language teacher whom police said the suspect had searched for on the day of the shooting was also summoned for questioning. She had not yet appeared before investigators at the time of the report.
Police examined the firearm and ammunition used in the incident, along with the suspect’s mobile phone and computer. Investigators reportedly found searches relating to firearms on the boy’s computer and said the activity had continued through social media platforms for about two years before the shooting.
Police said the boy had not attended a shooting range to practise using firearms. However, investigators found that he had previously brought a BB gun to school last year before a teacher confiscated it. According to police, the boy had purchased the BB gun himself through an online platform.
Atthaphon said police believed several factors may have contributed to the incident, including family problems, difficulties at school and problems involving friends. He also cited the possible influence of violent content on social media.
However, a student who described himself as a close friend of the suspect told police that the boy had not been bullied at school, contradicting earlier reports suggesting bullying may have been involved.
Police have not identified a single confirmed motive while the investigation continues. Officers are also examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the events leading up to it.
Atthaphon urged parents and guardians to pay close attention to changes in their children’s behaviour and to listen to problems they may be experiencing. He also encouraged families to monitor the types of online content their children are viewing.
The police commander further urged families who own firearms or other weapons to ensure they are kept away from children and other young household members.
Police are also preparing stricter security measures at the school before classes resume. Atthaphon said the measures are intended to improve safety and restore confidence among teachers, students and their families following the Debsirin Nonthaburi School shooting.
