The Prime Minister quickly inspected Thepsirin School in Nonthaburi Province, attributing the shooting to academic stress. The firearm used belonged to the suspect's grandfather. There were eight fatalities and over 30 injured. He assured the best possible care for the victims' families and reiterated that carrying weapons in public is already illegal.
On 7 August 2026 at 15:43, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul visited the shooting scene at Thepsirin School in Nonthaburi. He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yotsanan Wongvasit; Minister of Education Prasert Chanruangthong; Minister of Public Health Pattana Promphat; Minister of Social Development and Human Security Nikhom Somkalang; Deputy Minister of Interior Phonpi Suwannachawi; National Police Chief Police General Kittirat Phanphet; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior Atthasit Sampantarat; and related agencies awaiting the situation report.
At 16:25, after reviewing the reports, Anutin said the main cause was academic stress. He expressed sorrow over the incident but noted it ended before further harm occurred. The suspect still had over 30 bullets; had he not ended his own life, more people might have been harmed. The suspect's grandmother, a former teacher, was strict and expected good academic performance. Police interviews with close friends revealed the suspect was stressed and had expressed complaints. The attack was well planned with clear steps and targets. When asked about motives related to academic pressure leading to shooting teachers and classmates, the Prime Minister said detailed investigations and forensic analysis will clarify facts before public statements to avoid compromising the case. If the suspect had not taken his own life and resisted police, stopping him would have been difficult. As a youth, confrontations would have complicated matters. He urged closure as the suspect has now harmed himself. Authorities will resolve the case swiftly as there are no further suspects. Lessons will be learned to strengthen safety measures in schools, universities, and public spaces.
When asked about the victims’ fatal wounds to critical areas, Anutin said the suspect appeared intent on the attack, starting with his grandparents at their home—two victims previously unknown before the incident. Police found their bodies after searching the house. The weapon was the grandfather’s registered gun. During Songkran, the suspect had posted a photo of the gun on Instagram. When asked about the death toll, the Prime Minister confirmed eight fatalities, including the grandparents, and over 30 injured. Approximately nine were in critical condition at Phra Nang Klao and Phra Mongkutklao Hospitals. Regarding ongoing daily incidents despite firearm bans, he said the law is clear; authorities will strictly enforce weapon inspections at checkpoints and prosecute offenders. Asked if the suspect had firearm training, Anutin said there are no reports of formal shooting practice; as a 14-year-old, he likely did not have such training but may be tracked via social media.
When asked about support measures for victims’ families, the Prime Minister said established protocols and funds from the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of Education would assist. Every effort will be made to provide full compensation and care for families of the deceased. Regarding the suspect’s relatives, he said the parents are separated, and the suspect did not live with them. When pressed on whether the suspect had any guardians, he said no further reports had been received.
Foreign reporters asked why, despite existing laws banning firearms in public, police have not resolved the issue. Anutin replied that carrying any weapon publicly is illegal in Thailand. However, this incident involved other factors, and investigations are ongoing. This was not a criminal act but resulted from long-term stress and pressure. The registered firearm was kept at home, allowing the child access, but it was not regularly carried publicly. The general issue of weapon possession differs from this case, which is distinct. Authorities must now enhance school security to reassure parents through stricter and more effective screening for weapons entering schools. Practical measures will not include X-ray machines or weapon scanners on students, as that would be inappropriate. The government will not permit general public possession or carrying of weapons in public. The youth shooter’s case involves mental health concerns, mostly acute emotional episodes triggered by stimuli rather than chronic mental illness.
Reporters noted that before leaving, the Prime Minister instructed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and the National Police Chief to establish nationwide firearm checkpoints.
At 17:10, after following up on the shooting at Thepsirin School, Nonthaburi Province, Anutin returned to the Government House accompanied by Police General Kittirat Phanphet, National Police Chief, and Police Lieutenant General Nathsak Chaowanasai, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau.
