A deeply sorrowful atmosphere marked the water-pouring ceremony for Director Sasiphat, principal of Phatong School in Songkhla. Her husband and child recounted the moment of the incident, describing how they tried calling her but received no answer until they learned she had been shot. Though emotionally shaken, they remain strong.
At 3:00 p.m. on 12 Feb 2026 GMT+7, at Yung Thong Temple, Tha Chang Subdistrict, Bang Klam District, Songkhla, a water-pouring ceremony was held for Mrs. Sasiphat Sinsomros, principal of Phatong Prathan Khiriwat School, who was fatally shot in a school shooting the previous evening. Lieutenant General Narathip Poynok, Commander of the Fourth Army, presided over the ceremony, and Professor Dr. Narumol Phinyosinwat, Minister of Education, led the royal water pouring. The atmosphere was filled with grief, with family, relatives, teachers, local residents, and senior police officers from Region 9 attending in large numbers.
Mr. Jetsada Sinsomros, husband of Director Sasiphat and a teacher at the school opposite Phatong Prathan Khiriwat, said that upon learning of the incident yesterday, he went immediately to the school but could only stand outside as entry was not allowed. He heard gunshots and tried calling his wife, but she did not answer. Later, he learned she had been shot. The incident has deeply affected the family's mental state, but they will remain strong to care for their two children. Their son studies at Thaksin University, and their daughter is in grade 8 at Hat Yai Witthayalai School. Previously, his wife had been very responsible both as principal and as a mother.
The son briefly said that on the day of the incident, he called his mother but she did not answer. He then called his father and, upon learning that his mother had been shot, hurried back from university immediately. He added that he will stay strong and fulfill his role as a son to the best of his ability.
The older brother of Director Sasiphat commented that this was a loss of an invaluable educational figure. He urged relevant authorities to implement measures to better control such incidents to prevent recurrence. As her brother, he wants to assure her that he will care for their mother and both nieces and nephews, even though it may not match the care his sister provided.
Regarding the case, Police Major General Archan Jansiri, Deputy Commander of Region 9 Police, stated that the suspect, Mr. Khemanan, was transferred from Hat Yai Hospital to Songkhla Rajanagarindra Psychiatric Hospital in Mueang Songkhla District for psychiatric evaluation. The legal process will await the psychiatric assessment results alongside the suspect's behavior during the crime. Investigators are proceeding with charges in accordance with the Penal Code based on the offenses committed. Initially, charges include murder, attempted murder, attempted murder of an officer, unlawful detention, resisting officers, robbery, and property damage. These charges relate to two connected incidents: the rampage involving assault on police and firearm seizure at a rubber plantation hut in Village No. 9, Ban Phru Subdistrict, followed by the shooting at Phatong Prathan Khiriwat School, Village No. 2, Phatong Subdistrict, Hat Yai District, Songkhla.
