Credited from: REUTERS
An 18-year-old gunman who opened fire at the Patongprathankiriwat School in Hat Yai district was detained, and all hostages were released, police confirmed. The suspect's identity was confirmed by local authorities, with Deputy Superintendent Wichian Soboon stating, "The perpetrator has been captured," following the incident that occurred on Wednesday according to Indiatimes, Channel News Asia, and Reuters.
The gunman reportedly demanded to see a specific teacher, and upon not locating them, shot at a school staff member, injuring at least two, specifically a student and a teacher. The police intervened and shared media depicting the hostage situation and their response, highlighting the intensity of the event, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.
This incident has intensified discussions surrounding gun violence in Thailand, a country that has experienced several high-profile shootings, including a tragic nursery attack in 2022 where a former police officer killed 36 people. Such occurrences have led to increasing public concern over gun ownership and safety regulations in the nation, according to Indiatimes and Reuters.