Teacher with air gun causes chaos at Chumphon college

A dramatic incident unfolded today at a vocational college in Chumphon, where a teacher brandishing a gun threatened students and faculty members. Police were called to de-escalate the situation, which took over an hour before the teacher calmed down.

The emergency call was received at 8.30am, today, September 23, reporting a disturbance at the college located on the Chumphon-Pathio Road in Na Cha-ang, Mueang district. The man, identified as K (pseudonym), was seen waving a gun and appeared ready to fire at a group of students and teachers who were preparing for a meeting.

Police units, including a special operations team, were dispatched immediately. Rescue units from the Chumphon Charity Foundation were also on standby for any unforeseen events. Upon arrival, officers cordoned off the area and evacuated students, teachers, and parents to a safe distance. They found K standing near the flagpole, just 100 metres from the security post, holding the weapon.

The police unit, along with college administrators, attempted to negotiate with K, trying to reason with him. However, the situation escalated when K aimed the gun, prompting officers and administrators to take cover behind parked cars.

After over an hour of tense negotiations, during which his agitation gradually subsided, K eventually laid down the gun and sat on the ground. Police then took him into custody and secured the weapon, which turned out to be an air gun that shoots plastic pellets. Rescue personnel restrained K and transported him to Chumphon Hospital for treatment.

One college administrator involved in the negotiations has requested that the media refrain from reporting on the incident to protect both the family’s and the institution’s reputation. With K set to retire in a year, they are concerned that this incident could result in his dismissal, which would have a detrimental impact on his family.

Long-standing mental condition

The administrator also disclosed that K has a long-standing mental health condition requiring regular medication. On the day of the incident, he had been responsible for the institution’s sound system. When he discovered that the equipment was malfunctioning and the storage room was locked, he became agitated and started causing a commotion.

A nearby teacher called for help, leading to the discovery of K with the gun. Other teachers fled but the administrator knew the gun was fake and attempted to manage the situation, fearing for the safety of students and parents.

A parent expressed concerns about the safety of the institution, questioning why someone with a known mental health condition was still allowed to teach. They suggested that the college should have assigned K a less stressful role to prevent such incidents, reported KhaoSod.

The incident has raised important questions about the handling of mental health issues within educational institutions and the safety protocols in place to protect students and faculty members.