KAMPHAENG PHET, Thailand — Panic swept through a prominent school in Kamphaeng Phet province on Wednesday afternoon, September 3, 2026 after a 15-year-old Grade 9 student allegedly opened fire with a 9mm handgun on campus grounds. The incident, which involved eight fired shots, sent students and faculty fleeing for safety before police and emergency responders apprehended the suspect. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported.
The gunfire broke out at approximately 2:00 PM as students were changing classes between period blocks. According to school security personnel, the suspect entered through the main gates carrying a concealed firearm and fired an initial shot toward a security booth that narrowly missed a guard.
As the suspect moved further into the school courtyard, he discharged additional rounds, hitting a glass door and striking a teacher's parked vehicle. Teachers quickly reacted by ushering students into nearby classrooms and a central auditorium to shelter in place. Police units, alongside local rescue volunteers, rushed to the campus, surrounded the building, and persuaded the armed student to surrender without further incident.
Preliminary investigation details released by local authorities reveal that the suspect had been away on medical leave since late August while undergoing psychiatric evaluation and treatment for depression.
School officials disclosed that the student had previously sent threatening messages to a classmate two weeks prior, hinting at a planned incident on campus. However, following a meeting between administrators, the student, and his parents, the threat was dismissed after the teen claimed the messages were merely part of an online gaming conversation.
The local police department and juvenile protection authorities have opened a formal inquiry to determine how the minor acquired the 9mm pistol and live ammunition. Under Thai law regarding minors, the suspect will undergo formal questioning in the presence of a multidisciplinary child welfare team.
In response to the incident, school administrators announced a two-day suspension of on-site classes, transitioning all students to online learning while structural repairs, safety protocol reviews, and crisis counseling services are provided to students and staff.
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