Authorities confirmed that a school principal, critically injured during a shooting at a secondary school in southern Thailand, has died in hospital on Thursday. The tragic incident has left the school community in shock as officials continue their investigation.
The attack unfolded shortly before 17:00 local time (10:00 GMT) on Wednesday at Phatong Prathan Keeriwat School near Hat Yai. Police said an 18-year-old suspect entered the campus and opened fire, hitting principal Sasiphat Sinsamosorn and a female student.
Doctors confirmed that Ms. Sasiphat died early Thursday morning.
Medical staff continue to treat the injured female student, who remains in stable condition. During the chaos, another student jumped from a window while trying to escape and suffered injuries. Hospital officials are monitoring the student’s condition.
Police Arrest Suspect After Standoff
Security forces surrounded the school and negotiated with the suspect during a tense two-hour standoff. Police later arrested the 18-year-old at the scene.
Several students and teachers sheltered inside classrooms while officers secured the building and cleared the campus.
Investigators are working to determine the motive. Early local reports indicate the suspect may have had a dispute involving a teacher, but police have not confirmed those claims. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing, and more information will be made public as it becomes available.
School Community Mourns Principal
In a message posted on social media, the school expressed sorrow over the principal’s death, remembering her as a devoted educator who cared deeply about her students and colleagues.
The school’s statement captured the grief felt by students and staff while honoring the principal’s dedication and leadership.
School leaders said they are arranging counseling for students and staff to help them process the events of the shooting. The shooting has left students and staff deeply shaken. Many students and staff remain deeply affected by the shooting. School officials are offering counseling and support to help the community recover.
Recent Shootings in Thailand
Thailand continues to face serious challenges with gun violence, as firearms—both legal and illegal—are common throughout the country.
In 2024, a gunman opened fire at a crowded food market in Bangkok, killing five people and leaving local residents frightened. The attack renewed discussions about safety and gun regulations in the city.
The year before, a 14-year-old carried out a shooting at a shopping mall in central Bangkok, resulting in two deaths and five injuries.
Among the deadliest incidents in recent memory occurred in 2022, when a former police officer attacked a childcare center in northeastern Thailand, killing 36 people, most of them children.
Police are still working to piece together what led to the recent school shooting, and so far, no additional charges have been announced.
