Thailand faced one of its darkest days after 18-year-old Khem stormed a school in Hat Yai and killed at least 34 people, including 22 children. The former police trainee allegedly opened fire inside Prathan Khiriwat School on Wednesday evening, leaving 12 adults dead and several others injured. Authorities confirmed that the gunman also took hostages during the attack, triggering a massive security response across the area.
The shooting began around 4:45 p.m. on Thetsaban 31 Road in the Patong subdistrict. According to police, officers had earlier received complaints about Khem behaving violently at his home and attempting to harm his mother. When officers responded, he reportedly grabbed an M4 rifle and fled toward the nearby school. Within minutes, gunfire erupted inside the campus.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as students and teachers ran for safety. Several classrooms turned into hiding spots as staff tried to protect children. The school director and at least one student suffered serious injuries. Meanwhile, the suspect moved through the building before taking a female staff member hostage inside one of the rooms.
Motive Linked to Personal Grievance
Investigators revealed that the suspect had been searching for a teacher who previously disciplined his younger sister. Witnesses said he demanded to meet that teacher and threatened violence if his demand was not met. However, police have not confirmed whether he located the teacher during the attack.
Authorities quickly sealed off the campus and surrounding roads. Officers from Hat Yai and Thung Lung police stations, along with special operations units, rushed to the scene. Security teams established a perimeter and began negotiations to secure the release of hostages. As the crisis unfolded, officials urged residents to avoid the area and rely only on verified updates.
Investigation and Security Response
Police launched a full-scale investigation into how the suspect accessed the weapon and managed to enter the school grounds. Officials are also examining whether any prior warning signs were missed. Furthermore, forensic teams have started collecting evidence inside the campus to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Thailand’s leadership expressed shock over the tragedy and promised strict action. Law enforcement agencies are reviewing school security measures nationwide to prevent similar incidents. At the same time, counselling teams have begun assisting survivors and grieving families.
This incident marks one of the deadliest mass shootings in Thailand’s history, raising urgent questions about gun access, security preparedness, and early intervention in cases of violent behaviour.
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