Accused Thai school shooter watched violent content online, police say

A 14-year-old boy, who allegedly shot and killed his grandparents and six others at his school before taking his own life, had been watching violent content online and had an air gun confiscated by a teacher last year, police said on Sunday.

According to witness interviews, the perpetrator had been interested in firearms for about one to two years, Atthapol Anusit, deputy commissioner of Provincial Police Region 1, told reporters. Police have interviewed 17 witnesses so far.

Evidence found at the crime scenes included a firearm, spent cartridge cases, and a personal computer. An examination of the computer revealed the child had watched violent content on social media. A knife was also discovered in the boy's bag. The boy had lived with his grandparents for 12 years after his parents separated.

The Ministry of Education announced it would develop new safety protocols over the next three months. These measures will include mental health screenings, a system to refer at-risk individuals to specialists, emergency response drills, efforts to combat bullying, and improved detection methods to prevent items from being brought into schools.

The rampage was Thailand's worst mass shooting since 2022, reigniting debate over gun control in the country.