NONTHABURI, Thailand – Police investigating the shooting at Debsirind Nonthaburi School say the incident may have resulted from several factors, including family circumstances, school-related issues, relationships with peers and exposure to violent online content, but investigators have yet to identify a single main cause. Pol. Maj. Gen. Atthaphon Anusit, Deputy Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 1, said on August 9 that investigators had interviewed 17 witnesses and were examining evidence including a firearm, ammunition casings, a magazine, mobile phones and computers.
Investigators have also searched the suspect’s home and seized an older mobile phone and computer for further examination. Preliminary findings indicate that the student had an interest in firearms and had been exposed to violent content through social media for some time. Police also learned from people close to the student that he had ordered a BB gun online last year and had previously brought it to school, where it was confiscated by a teacher. Investigators also found that the student had carried a knife in his school bag. Reports that he had written books or drawn pictures involving firearms have not yet been confirmed.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Atthaphon said the investigation was not focused solely on establishing criminal responsibility but also on understanding what led to the incident. Investigators are examining the student’s family circumstances, including his parents’ separation and his having lived with his grandparents from around the age of two, as well as possible academic difficulties, relationships with classmates, bullying and problems involving teachers. Police are also strengthening security measures, including additional checkpoints and patrols, while tightening controls on weapons and efforts to prevent children and young people from gaining access to firearms. Officers will visit schools and the homes of affected students to help reassure families before schools reopen next week.
Police urged the public not to share footage of the incident or unverified information. Investigators said several false claims had circulated online, including alleged chat messages between a mother and child and unverified information about weapons, which could cause confusion and affect people involved in the case. Police have not disclosed whether a house key found in the student’s bag was connected to any alleged planning. Preliminary autopsy findings also found no indication of medication or drug use, while investigators continue examining all evidence and surrounding circumstances to establish the cause of the incident.
