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Thailand’s prime minister has pledged tougher gun laws after a 14-year-old student killed eight people in a shooting near Bangkok. The government plans to restrict the carrying of firearms in public.
Mariyam Adheela
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has promised to introduce stricter gun control measures after a deadly shooting near Bangkok left eight people dead and 22 others injured.
The attack was carried out by a 14-year-old student who first killed his grandparents at their home before going to his school in Nonthaburi. Five teachers were killed in the school shooting before the teenager took his own life.
Fourteen people remain in hospital, with several reported to be in critical condition.
Authorities said the gun used in the attack belonged to the teenager’s grandfather and was legally registered. Police are investigating how the teenager gained access to the weapon.
Prime Minister Anutin said new rules would restrict the carrying of firearms in public, with guns allowed only for government officials while carrying out their duties.
The shooting has renewed concerns over gun ownership and enforcement in Thailand, which has one of the highest levels of civilian firearm ownership in Southeast Asia.
Police are continuing to investigate the teenager’s background and the circumstances leading up to the attack.
