Thai Teen Shooter's Online Activity And Knife Possession Under Investigation

A 14-year-old boy accused of carrying out a deadly shooting at a school near Bangkok had previously shown an interest in firearms, watched violent content online and had an air gun confiscated by a teacher, police said on Sunday. The revelations came as investigators continued examining the circumstances surrounding Friday's attack, which began with the teenager allegedly shooting his grandparents at their home before he opened fire at his school and later died by suicide. According to police, the teenager had been interested in learning about firearms for around one to two years.

Atthapol Anusit, deputy commissioner of Provincial Police Region 1, said investigators had interviewed 17 witnesses so far as they worked to establish the events leading up to the shooting. Police also said the teenager had used social media to learn about firearms, while an examination of his personal computer found that he had viewed violent content online. Atthapol said investigators had not found evidence so far that the teenager had actually practised shooting before the attack. However, police found that he had previously brought a BB gun, a type of air gun, to school.

A teacher confiscated the weapon last year, an incident that has now become part of the investigation into the teenager's history and access to weapons. Police also found a knife in his school bag, along with a firearm and spent cartridge cases at the crime scenes. The teenager had lived with his grandparents for around 12 years after his parents separated, police said. Investigators are examining his background, his access to firearms and his online activity as they attempt to determine what may have contributed to the attack. Authorities have not said that exposure to violent material online was the sole cause of the shooting, and the investigation into the teenager's motives remains ongoing.

Also Read: "Mom, Don't Call Me": Bangkok Students Recall Terror As Gunman Stalked School Hallways

The attack has renewed concerns over safety in Thai schools and access to weapons among young people. The Thai government has said new safety protocols will be introduced following the incident, with measures expected to include stronger school security, mental health screening, emergency preparedness and efforts to prevent dangerous items from being brought onto school grounds. The shooting has also renewed debate over gun control and firearm access in Thailand, which has experienced several high-profile mass shootings in recent years. The latest incident is among the country's deadliest shootings since the 2022 attack in Nong Bua Lamphu, which killed dozens of people.

Authorities are now examining whether earlier warning signs, including the confiscation of the BB gun and the teenager's reported interest in firearms, could have provided opportunities for intervention. Police are continuing to collect evidence from the crime scenes and examine the teenager's computer and other belongings. Investigators will also assess witness accounts and the circumstances surrounding his access to the firearm used in the attack. The findings could inform the government's planned school-safety measures as authorities seek to prevent similar incidents and strengthen safeguards for students and staff.

Also Read: Thailand Shooting: Student Gunfire Kills Teacher And Another Person