Deadliest Mass Shooting in Thailand Since 2020 Kills More Than 30
Frantic Family members were seen weeping outside the daycare where a gunman killed at least 30 people, with the majority of the victims being young children. Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan sends his condolences to the families of those killed, including the families of the gunman’s wife and child.
October 6, 2022
The deadliest shooting in Thailand since 2020 took place on Tuesday at a childcare center in the northeastern province of Nong Bua Lam Phu. At least 30 people were killed and 20 of them were children ranging from the starting age of two.
The shooter has been identified as a former police officer with an ongoing court case for selling drugs. The gunman killed his own wife and child and later took his own life, according to the Associated Press. Authorities say the gunman was fired earlier this year for a drug offense. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha urges the government to help those injured in the incident, spokesperson Anucha Burachaisri said (to a news outlet, or in a statement).
Although Thailand has relatively high gun ownership, mass shootings are rare in the country. Multiple weapons were used including a gun and a knife. The gunman allegedly shot through the door and began his rampage of killing both children and adults.
Parents and residents of Nong Bua Lam Phu are distraught and have begun donating blood to those sent to the hospital.
