A school shooting in Nonthaburi province, Thailand, on the morning of August 7, local time, marks the second such incident on a school campus in the country this year. This event highlights ongoing issues with gun control and a deeply rooted gun culture in the nation. According to Xinhua News Agency, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told media at the school on the afternoon of the 7th that the shooting resulted in eight deaths, including the perpetrator and his grandparents. The government will push for stricter gun control measures. Thai police reported that the suspect, a 14-year-old middle school student, shot and killed his grandparents at home before taking a gun to school, firing at least 26 times before turning the weapon on himself. More ammunition was found in his bag.

In February of this year, a shooting at a school in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, resulted in one death and two injuries. Compared to other Southeast Asian nations, Thailand has a relatively high rate of civilian gun ownership. Data from the Thai Ministry of Interior shows that as of 2023, there were 6.2 million registered firearms in the country, with an estimated 4 million more unregistered guns in circulation. According to the 2017 Small Arms Survey, Thailand has about 15 guns for every 100 people. Data from the 2019 Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington indicates that Thailand's gun homicide rate is second highest in Southeast Asia, behind only the Philippines. Analysts note that while major shooting incidents in Thailand often spark discussions on strengthening gun control, such calls tend to fade over time. In a nation of about 70 million people with clear social stratification and a long history of military political influence, public distrust in the security system, an illegal gun trade forming a gray profit chain, and a deeply ingrained gun culture collectively make gun violence a persistent and difficult problem to solve.

Bullying or Academic Pressure?

The shooting occurred at a branch of the prestigious Debsirin School in Nonthaburi province, according to a BBC report. The main campus in Bangkok, founded by King Rama V in 1885, is one of Thailand's most renowned schools, with multiple branches nationwide and a long list of distinguished alumni including diplomats, athletes, and several former prime ministers. Thai Deputy Interior Minister Popi Suwanchawee stated that evidence collected from the suspect's home showed the ninth-grade student was an avid video game player. Preliminary investigations also revealed that his parents were separated, and he lived with his grandparents, with his grandfather being a former bank manager. According to the Thai media outlet Naewna, on the morning of the incident, the suspect took a CZ-75 Compact 9mm pistol stored by his grandfather in a second-floor cabinet at their home in Bang Bua Thong district, Nonthaburi, along with 98 rounds of ammunition. He then shot his grandfather, who was cooking, and his grandmother, who was sleeping, before putting the gun in his bag and heading to school.

At 9:30 AM, the suspect, wearing a purple sports uniform and carrying a black sling bag, arrived at the school and entered a third-floor computer classroom in the pink building. The first period was scheduled for sociology, but the teacher was absent, and a math teacher was substituting. At 9:50 AM, gunfire erupted. The suspect first shot the substitute math teacher, then continued firing in the classroom and hallway, discharging over 26 rounds. Teachers quickly organized students to take cover, turning off lights, locking doors, and instructing them to hide under desks. Police arrived swiftly, deploying special units to lockdown the campus and evacuate personnel. Between 10:30 and 10:45 AM, police entered the computer classroom, finding the suspect critically injured from a gunshot wound. Rescue personnel then transported him to a hospital. A video from inside the classroom, verified by CNN, showed terrified students crouching under desks, crying, as shots rang out. An 18-year-old student told Reuters that initially, everyone thought it was firecrackers, but the shots became more intense, a continuous 'bang, bang, bang' that would pause briefly before resuming. A rescue worker told Reuters that the scene was complete chaos when they arrived, and they immediately began providing first aid to students shot in the back, chest, and arms. The local emergency operations center stated that most of the casualties were between 12 and 17 years old, with the youngest victim being just 12. Thai National Police Chief Kittirat Panphet said forensic examination revealed the shooter was relatively accurate, with multiple bullets hitting vital areas of the victims.

Thai media reported that investigators found five videos of shooting incidents from other countries on the suspect's home computer. Police stated the suspect began watching these videos as early as July 30. Descriptions of the suspect's personality and background varied. One teacher described the boy as 'excellent in both character and academics' with no prior aggressive behavior. The suspect's uncle, the youngest son of the deceased grandparents, described the teenager as having average academic performance, being extremely quiet, spending most of his time at the computer, and rarely going out. He showed no obvious signs of stress or behavioral issues. The uncle added that his father never allowed the family to play with guns and always kept them locked in a wardrobe, unable to explain how his nephew found the key. Reports indicated three boxes of ammunition, each containing 50 rounds, were stored with the gun. The shooter reportedly carried two boxes but discarded two rounds, bringing a total of 98 rounds for the attack. However, other students characterized him as more of a 'troubled teen' at school. A student one grade above, named Prin, told media that he had seen the suspect with a gun before. 'When I saw him pointing the gun at me, he looked very professional, as if he had undergone long-term training. His friend told me he was very interested in the FBI and guns, and was often bullied by other students.' The Thaiger, a Thai media outlet, cited a source saying the suspect was a long-term victim of bullying, and teachers' failure to intervene might have led to resentment towards the school and teachers. Other students reported to police that the suspect had been subjected to long-term ridicule and physical bullying, and investigators are verifying whether campus bullying is linked to the case's motive. The BBC reported that the shooter appeared to target teachers primarily, with the entire shooting lasting about an hour. Thai Health Minister Pattana Promphat told the BBC that five teachers were killed in the attack. Prime Minister Anutin, speaking at the school, said that based on available information, the motive might be related to academic pressure. The suspect's grandmother, a former teacher, had high expectations for his academic success and was very strict. Police questioning of the suspect's close friends revealed that he had been under long-term academic stress and had complained about it. Anutin stated that whether learning pressure is a direct motive requires further investigation by police and forensic experts before official release, emphasizing that speculation before the investigation concludes could impact the case and judicial process.

Thailand Tightened Gun Policies in February

Thailand has strict gun control laws, with illegal possession carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. However, these laws have not fully prevented the circulation of firearms. Under the Thai Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, and Fireworks Act, citizens can apply for a gun license within the legal framework, but must meet strict conditions. Applicants must be at least 20 years old, apply to local administrative bodies, pass background checks, have no criminal record, and prove a legitimate need for a gun, such as self-defense, sport shooting, or professional requirements. Foreign citizens are explicitly prohibited from owning guns. Any foreigner found possessing a gun in Thailand, regardless of ownership, risks severe criminal penalties, including up to 10 years imprisonment, deportation, and a permanent entry ban. Tourists wishing to handle firearms must do so at licensed commercial shooting ranges. In places like Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, some ranges allow tourists to experience pistols, rifles, and other shooting under staff supervision, with all guns and ammunition managed by the facility.

In recent years, the Thai government has continuously tightened gun control measures. Less than six months before this school shooting, on February 19, a government deputy spokesperson, Aiyarin Panri, announced a new nationwide gun control crackdown. Following Prime Minister Anutin's instructions, the government required comprehensive strengthening of gun supervision. The Department of Local Administration of the Ministry of Interior ordered local officials to strictly enforce regulations, including tightening the approval process for gun purchases, enhancing background checks on applicants, and focusing on personal behavior, social connections, and involvement in illegal activities. For existing gun license holders, local governments and community leaders are required to monitor their behavior to ensure they remain eligible. If a gun owner is deemed a potential threat to public safety, relevant authorities must take administrative or criminal measures. Additionally, since November 2023, Thailand has issued multiple rounds of measures suspending the issuance of firearm possession and carrying permits. Following this school shooting, opposition figures have called for a systematic review of the existing gun management system. People's Party leader Natthapong stated on social media that while the motive is still under investigation, 'educational institutions should be one of the safest places in society,' and this event is a reminder of the need for a systematic review of gun control measures. Prime Minister Anutin said the government plans to propose a new gun control plan to restrict public carrying of firearms, emphasizing that relevant departments must strengthen supervision of gun possession, and no one, whether government officials or ordinary citizens, should be allowed to carry guns into public places except for official duties.

Coups and Gray Profit Chains Exacerbate Chaos

Since 1932, Thailand has experienced 14 military coups. The military's strong position in the political system and frequent interventions are considered key factors driving the proliferation of legal and illegal firearms. Boonwara Sumano, a researcher at the Thailand Development Research Institute, stated that in a country where elected governments have been repeatedly overthrown by the military, some citizens have turned to other means for security. 'Whether the gun obtained is legal or not, in the end, the gun has the final say,' she said. For ordinary citizens, legally purchasing a gun is costly and expensive. However, government officials can buy guns at far below market prices through the so-called 'welfare gun program,' with relatively loose quantity limits. These 'welfare' guns typically sell for 30,000 to 40,000 Thai baht (about 6,100 to 8,160 RMB), while market prices are generally between 70,000 and 100,000 baht. A 2022 Bangkok Post commentary noted that this long-abused welfare system has become a significant source for the underground gun market. 'Initially, 'welfare' guns were intended to protect government workers in high-risk positions. But over time, these guns were seen as assets, leading officials to buy more and more,' said Piyapong Thunnikorn, a criminologist at Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University, to The Straits Times. The leakage of guns into the black market is also a persistent problem. Pasuk Phongpaichit, an honorary professor of political economy at Chulalongkorn University, noted in her 1998 investigative book 'Guns, Women, Gambling, and Marijuana: Thailand's Illegal Economy and Public Policy' that some politicians and military personnel were suspected of diverting US-made weapons from Thai military stockpiles to the underground market. She wrote, 'Illegal arms trading persists because influential people are involved.' In recent years, the outflow of guns from military stockpiles and illegal arms trafficking remain long-term challenges in Thailand's gun governance.

A Gun Culture 'Comparable to the United States'

Although large-scale shootings are not frequent in Thailand, gun-related violence is pervasive and frequently appears in the public eye. In February of this year, a shooter entered a school in Hat Yai district, southern Thailand, killing a teacher and injuring a student. In 2022, a severe shooting at a daycare center in northeastern Thailand killed 36 people, including 24 children, making it one of the country's deadliest gun-related incidents in recent years. Similar events are not uncommon: tuk-tuk drivers engaging in armed conflicts, customers shooting each other over disputes in convenience stores, road rage escalating into gunfire. These cases are common sights on Thai television news. A Thai politician who owns a gun once lamented, 'People just pull out guns at the drop of a hat.' As early as 2013, the US State Department noted the gun problem in Thai society, warning personnel: 'Thailand has a pervasive gun culture comparable to that of the United States.' In Thailand, guns are not just a security tool but also carry social symbolism. Displaying real or replica firearms is not always met with strong reactions. During the annual Children's Day in January, some military bases open to children, inviting them to get close to military equipment and even experience some weapons. Boonwara Sumano of the Thailand Development Research Institute pointed out that Thai society has a culture of gun worship that begins in childhood, with students at some vocational schools commonly making simple firearms. 'There is a deep-seated pursuit of toughness and power in Thai society, and guns are a way to project that image,' she said. A 2022 New York Times article noted that while both the US and Thailand have high rates of gun ownership, the underlying social logic differs. In the US, guns are often linked to individual rights and political stances. In Thailand, owning a gun is not a symbol of political affiliation but a marker of status and identity. Like other luxury goods, guns are items owned by the few but desired by many. 'We must admit that many Thais believe owning a gun means having power and strength,' said Krisanaphong Poothakul, a former senior police officer and dean of the Faculty of Criminology and Justice Administration at Rangsit University, to The New York Times. 'That power must be scrutinized and regulated.'