How did the youth involved in the Thepsirin Nonthaburi school shooting gain access to the CZ 75 handgun? Experts believe it was a registered and well-maintained firearm and warn parents to watch their children closely.
The shooting incident on the morning of 7 Aug 2026 at Thepsirin School in Nonthaburi Province caused fear among students and staff and deeply saddened the Thai public.
As of 11:00 AM, reports indicate the suspect was a Grade 9 student who fatally shot teachers and students before ending his own life. Initial reports confirm seven deaths (three teachers, three students, one suspect) and at least 15 injured. By 1:00 PM, it was revealed the youth had also fatally shot his grandparents at home before the school attack.
This incident raises questions about how such a young person could possess a firearm and have the skills to use it.
Thairath Online's special news team inquired with Mr. Montri Tanjaisee, a firearms expert, regarding the background and characteristics of the gun model used, and how a youth could bring a firearm to commit the shooting.
Mr. Montri revealed the weapon was a 9mm CZ automatic pistol, a popular firearm commonly used. The gun is made entirely of steel and has a double-stack magazine capacity of 14 rounds. The suspect carried spare ammunition. This firearm is not restricted to official use; civilians can legally own it. It is suspected the gun was welfare-issue with a registration number, but the owner’s identity must be verified. The gun appears well maintained.
It is initially believed the gun may have belonged to the suspect’s grandfather. It is unclear how the child developed the skills to use the firearm, but this model’s moderate recoil makes it usable by youth.
Mr. Montri urged parents to closely monitor their children’s behavior, watch for any social or school problems, and pay more attention to their kids.
For parents who own firearms, he advised securing them in a way that makes access by children as difficult as possible to prevent similar incidents. When such events occur, parents bear responsibility, as there are always innocent victims involved.