CHIANG MAI, Thailand – Chiang Mai police have identified students believed to be responsible for posting messages threatening a shooting at Montfort College, which sparked widespread concern and disrupted normal school attendance on August 11. The incident began after threatening messages appeared in the school’s LINE OpenChat group, warning of a possible violent incident at around 10 a.m. on August 11.
The messages prompted fear among students and parents, while the school immediately strengthened security measures and coordinated with police to deploy both uniformed and plainclothes officers inside and around the school grounds. Many parents who learned about the messages the previous day decided to keep their children at home. Others who only became aware of the situation later went to the school to collect their children amid concerns over their safety.
Chiang Mai Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Yutthana Kaenchan said police had traced the messages and identified the students involved.
Police have contacted their parents and invited them to meet officers to discuss the incident and establish the facts and reasons behind the messages. Initial information indicated that two male students had posted the messages. They reportedly told authorities that they acted out of recklessness and did not expect the messages to become a major issue. Pol. Maj. Gen. Yutthana urged students and parents to rely on information issued directly by the school and authorities and not to forward unverified messages. He warned that spreading unconfirmed threats could create unnecessary panic and potentially contribute to copycat behavior.
The Chiang Mai police commander has also ordered police units throughout the province to strengthen security and surveillance around schools. The measures are intended to reassure students, teachers, school staff and parents while authorities continue checking the circumstances surrounding the threatening messages. Police are expected to discuss the matter with the students and their parents and determine any further action based on the findings and applicable procedures.
