Thailand sets 90-day school safety plan after fatal shooting

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8 August 2026, 17:00

Thailand sets 90-day school safety plan after fatal shooting

BANGKOK — 8 August 2026, Five ministries are joining forces to introduce a 90-day national school safety standard following the fatal shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School, with the government planning tougher mental health screening, a zero-tolerance policy on bullying and tighter checks for weapons and other prohibited items.

The measures were discussed at an inter-ministerial meeting at the Ministry of Education on 8 August, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat.

Education Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, Social Development and Human Security Minister Nikorn Somklang, Labour Minister Julapun Amornvivat and representatives from the Ministry of Public Health, including the Department of Mental Health, also attended.

The meeting was held following the shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School, in which a student allegedly used a firearm against teachers and fellow students, leaving several people dead and injured.

Yodchanan said all agencies would do their utmost to restore confidence among parents and the public, stressing that every child must be safe at school and that such a traumatic incident must not happen again.

The plan is divided into two main areas.

Immediate measures for reopening schools

The first is an emergency “school reopening plan” focused on psychological recovery and initial safety screening.

It includes six measures:

Establish nationwide channels for mental health assistance through the Department of Mental Health and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, including hotlines 1300 and 1323, chat services and appointment systems, working with local psychologists from the Education Ministry, higher education institutions and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.
Deploy mental health volunteer teams to schools affected by the incident to provide close support to students, teachers and parents. Psychological recovery activities based on international standards will be organised on the first day schools reopen.
Temporarily close classrooms where incidents occurred.
Establish designated areas where parents can observe their children, with registration required for security purposes.
Allow teachers and students suffering severe psychological effects to transfer to other schools where appropriate.
Introduce temporary measures to screen for illegal items before people enter schools.

National school safety standard within 90 days

The second part is the creation of a “National School Safety Standard” within 90 days, which will be submitted to the Cabinet so that all ministries can follow a common set of guidelines.

The longer-term measures include regular mental health screening for students and teachers, an effective referral system for at-risk students to specialist doctors, and a “Train the Trainer” programme for guidance and homeroom teachers to improve their ability to assess students and provide basic psychological first aid.

The plan also calls for a rights protection centre on the Traffy Fondue platform, providing a safe zone where children can report problems or concerns that they may be unable to discuss elsewhere.

Schools will also conduct drills covering different emergency scenarios and inspect potential risk areas.

The government will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, while promoting stronger relationships between teachers and students and tighter screening of people and prohibited items before they enter schools.

Yodchanan urged parents to monitor changes in their children’s behaviour and seek psychiatric advice if necessary.

“Seeing a psychiatrist is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a proper way to take care of mental health,” he said.

Schools may search bags of at-risk students

Prasert said the Education Ministry had held an urgent nationwide online meeting with schools and agencies under its supervision, including the Office of the Basic Education Commission, vocational education authorities, the Office of the Private Education Commission and the Department of Learning Encouragement.

The ministry is preparing an official regulation authorising school administrators and disciplinary teachers to search the bags and belongings of students considered at risk, in order to prevent weapons such as knives and guns from being brought onto school grounds.

Prasert said Debsirin Nonthaburi School would suspend classes throughout the following week to assess the situation and improve its internal safety measures.

The ministry is also preparing assistance for the family of the teacher who died, including support from ministry funds, welfare benefits, the Teachers and Educational Personnel Welfare Promotion Fund and government compensation. A special promotion may also be considered for the teacher who died while on duty.

“Although Debsirin Nonthaburi is a large school with around 3,500 students and already had security measures in place, this incident was unprecedented in its severity,” Prasert said.

“The government and all agencies therefore need to raise preventive measures to the highest possible level to ensure that such a loss is not repeated in Thai society.”

Nikorn said his ministry would contribute in three key areas.

First, it will deploy social workers and psychologists to work with the Department of Mental Health and the Education Ministry to provide comprehensive psychological support for children and families.

Second, it will integrate its emergency reporting system by linking the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security’s 1300 hotline with the Traffy Fondue platform, allowing information to be coordinated and transferred to the Education Ministry more quickly and efficiently.

Third, the ministry will use the tragedy as a case study to review and strengthen security measures at child care facilities and educational institutions under its supervision nationwide.

A representative from the Department of Mental Health said keeping children safe as they grow requires cooperation from everyone in the community.

The Education Ministry’s HERO OBEC Care student support system has already been implemented in more than 85% of schools nationwide, helping assess and screen children for different mental health issues systematically.

However, the representative said the most important step now is to promote two-way communication and create trusted adults who children feel comfortable talking to, rather than allowing them to consume media alone while pressure continues to build.

Chonburi warns of man exposing himself to schoolgirl

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8 August 2026, 16:08

CHONBURI — 8 August 2026A village chief has urged police to quickly track down a man who allegedly exposed himself in front of a schoolgirl in a residential soi in Chonburi, warning that the behaviour could escalate into a more serious incident.

CCTV footage from a soi in Samet subdistrict, Mueang Chonburi district, shows a man riding a motorcycle into the alley before stopping and allegedly engaging in an indecent act in front of a schoolgirl who was walking past.

The girl appeared shocked by what she saw and immediately ran away from the area. The man then reportedly continued riding around the soi before leaving towards the main road.

At 3pm on 8 August, reporters visited the area around Sukhumvit Ang Sila Soi 9 in Samet subdistrict and met Charan Sunhuat, chief of Village 8, who took them to the reported scene.

Charan said CCTV footage showed the man riding his motorcycle into the soi and stopping before allegedly exposing himself in front of the schoolgirl.

After seeing him, the girl became frightened and ran away. The man reportedly remained in the area for a while, riding around the soi before eventually leaving for the main road.

The village chief urged parents, particularly those whose children travel home alone after school, to take extra precautions and avoid allowing children to walk alone through isolated areas.

He expressed concern that the man could return and repeat the behaviour or that the situation could escalate into something more serious.

Charan also urged police to examine CCTV footage along nearby routes to identify and locate the man so that he can be questioned and face any appropriate legal action before another incident occurs involving children or other residents.

Police probe after students threatened schoolmate with firearm

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8 August 2026, 15:52

Police probe after students threatened schoolmate with firearm

BANGKOK — Bangkok police have ordered legal action against a group of students from a well-known school in the Samsen area after they allegedly assaulted a schoolmate and threatened him with a firearm.

The case was reported on 8 August following an incident involving students from St. Gabriel’s College. The school has since issued a statement announcing tighter security measures and enhanced safety protocols for its students.

Pol. Lt. Gen Siam Boonsom, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, assigned Pol. Maj. Gen. Worasak Phisitbanakorn, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 1, to instruct investigators at Samsen Police Station to gather evidence and pursue charges of jointly assaulting another person.

The students allegedly involved in the attack and firearm threat will be taken before the Juvenile and Family Court, police said.

According to reports, the incident shown in footage circulating on social media took place on the evening of 21 July. It involved a fight between students at the same school, with the two sides reportedly having an existing dispute and history of arguments.

The parents of the alleged victim subsequently went to Samsen Police Station to file a complaint and seek legal action against those involved.

On 8 August, investigators summoned both sides and their parents to provide statements and proceed in accordance with juvenile justice procedures.

A multidisciplinary team is also taking part in the process, as required in cases involving minors.

Pickup truck crashes into Chiang Mai shops, causing huge damage

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8 August 2026, 15:30

Pickup truck crashes into Chiang Mai shops, causing huge damage

CHIANG MAI — 8 August 2026, A cafe and chicken rice shop in Chiang Mai were badly damaged after a pickup truck crashed into them before dawn, leaving the owner facing an estimated repair bill of nearly 1 million baht.

Warakorn Saengsuphon, 37, known as “Pop”, arrived to open Thong Phan Bai Coffee and the nearby Mei Jong Chicken Rice branch No. 2 on Somphot 700 Pi Road in Mae Hia, Mueang Chiang Mai district, on Saturday morning.

He was shocked to find that a pickup truck had smashed into both businesses.

The impact severely damaged the shops, including their doors, metal roller shutters, glass, walls and ceilings. Coffee-making equipment and glass display cabinets were also damaged, leaving both businesses unable to open.

Warakorn estimated the total damage at nearly 1 million baht.

Police said they received a report at about 1:30 am of a pickup truck crashing into the shops. Officers who arrived at the scene found a grey Ford pickup with extensive front-end damage and a burst tyre.

The driver, identified as a 48-year-old man from Mueang Lampang district, sustained minor injuries. Police took him in for questioning to establish the cause of the crash and documented the scene before towing the pickup to Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station.

Warakorn said nobody had been at the shops when the crash occurred. After closing for the day, he had returned home in San Phak Wan subdistrict.

He returned early the next morning to open the businesses and discovered the damage.

Both shops will have to remain closed for an extended period while repairs are carried out, he said.

Police probe source of 98 rounds used in school shooting

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8 August 2026, 14:15

Police probe source of 98 rounds used in school shooting

NONTHABURI — 8 August 2026, Police have questioned 16 witnesses as they investigate a school shooting in Nonthaburi, while efforts are under way to determine where the 98 rounds of live ammunition found in the case came from.

Pol. Col. Chokchai Khanajaroen, deputy commander of the Nonthaburi Provincial Police, said that police had called teachers and students in to provide information.

More than 20 witnesses are expected to be questioned. So far, 16 have been interviewed, including around six or seven students who were friends or classmates of the student involved in the incident, with the remainder being teachers.

The Thai language teacher reportedly linked to an issue currently under investigation has not yet given a statement. Police are coordinating with the teacher to appear before investigators.

Police are also investigating the source of the ammunition used in the incident. Friends of the student reportedly told investigators that the student liked playing BB guns, prompting police to examine whether the student had previously received firearms training or practised shooting, or whether this was their first time using a real firearm.

Police confirmed that the ammunition used in the incident was live ammunition, not training rounds.

Of the 98 rounds reportedly obtained, 34 were found remaining in the student’s bag, meaning the rest had already been used.

Meanwhile, investigators visited a shooting range in the Bang Bua Thong area to check whether the student had previously trained or practised shooting there. Initial checks found no record of the student having used the range.

Police also questioned the student’s parents on 7 August. They may be called in for further questioning if investigators identify outstanding issues or obtain additional information.

Classmates say student gunman sought Thai language teacher over grade dispute

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8 August 2026, 13:43

Classmates say student gunman sought Thai language teacher over grade dispute

NONTHABURI — 8 August 2026, a student gunman in a shooting at a school reportedly searched for a Thai language teacher before the incident, after previously complaining to classmates about receiving a failing grade in the subject.

Reporters were told that the teacher the student was reportedly looking for taught Thai and had been absent from school the previous day. The teacher was reportedly responsible for giving the student a grade of zero in the subject, despite the student previously having generally good academic results.

Information also emerged that the student’s grandmother had previously worked as a teacher and may have been unhappy about the situation. Authorities are investigating whether the student’s academic results and the teacher may have been among the factors behind the incident.

After the incident at Building 5, the student reportedly ran to the fourth floor of Building 4 in search of the teacher. After failing to find the teacher, the student allegedly became upset and fired three shots into the air before the subsequent fatal incident occurred.

At 11:26am, one of the student’s classmates arrived to provide additional information to investigators. Asked about “Teacher A”, a pseudonym used in earlier reports about the teacher the student was allegedly seeking, the student confirmed that the teacher exists and teaches Thai.

The classmate said they were unsure whether Teacher A had taught at school the previous day.

Another male student later went to meet investigators and told reporters that he had been at the scene and could confirm that the student had indeed been looking for Teacher A, the Thai language teacher.

The student said the youth had received a grade of zero in Thai, reportedly the first time they had received such a grade. Although the student’s performance in Thai had not previously been particularly strong, they had never received a zero before.

The classmate also said the student had previously complained to friends: “I submitted all the assignments, but I don’t understand why my grade still hasn’t been changed.”

Other classmates have continued to provide information to police as investigators work to establish what led to the incident and whether the reported dispute over the student’s grade played a role.

2.4-magnitude earthquake strikes Nan province at 2km depth

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8 August 2026, 13:21

2.4-magnitude earthquake strikes Nan province at 2km depth

NAN — 8 August 2026, A 2.4-magnitude earthquake struck Wiang Sa district in Nan province, according to the Earthquake Observation Division of the Meteorological Department.

The quake occurred at 10:09am, with its epicentre in Nam Muap subdistrict at a depth of 2 kilometres. The epicentre was recorded at coordinates 18.463, 101.003.

Authorities said further updates would be provided if there is any additional information.

Pattaya bay tightens rules for tour boats over safety concerns

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8 August 2026, 12:31

Pattaya bay tightens rules for tour boats over safety concerns

PATTAYA — Pattaya City is stepping up efforts to regulate restaurant boats, tourist vessels, squid-fishing rafts and squid-fishing café boats in Pattaya Bay as the number of operators continues to rise while available space remains limited.

Authorities are concerned that overcrowding could affect tourist safety and increase the risk of accidents. Pattaya City is working with the Marine Department and other relevant agencies to establish clear operating criteria, with a key policy of preventing the number of operators from exceeding the bay’s capacity.

Wutthisak Rermkij, deputy mayor of Pattaya, chaired a meeting on regulations for restaurant boats, tourist vessels and related businesses in Pattaya Bay. The meeting was attended by government officials, the director of the Marine Department’s Regional Office 6, Pattaya Branch, the chief of the Tourist Police Station, the director of the Marine and Coastal Resources Office 2, Bang Lamung district fisheries officials, and operators of tourist boats, restaurant boats, squid-fishing rafts and squid-fishing cafés.

The meeting followed efforts by Pattaya City’s Environmental Health and Sanitation Division to regulate businesses operating in public areas in line with the Interior Ministry’s 2003 regulations governing the sale of goods in public places.

The continued increase in restaurant boats, squid-fishing rafts and tourist vessels in Pattaya Bay has made it necessary to establish clearer rules that reflect conditions in the area.

Officials discussed measures and operating criteria to ensure businesses comply with relevant laws, regulations and requirements. These cover water safety, the use of public areas and protection of the marine environment, as well as clear operating guidelines for businesses to improve service standards and boost tourists’ confidence.

The regulations will follow the Marine Department’s “Pattaya Model”, a framework for organising tourism and water traffic in Pattaya Bay and around Koh Lan.

The model focuses on clearly zoning swimming areas and navigation routes, separating water-based recreational activities from boat traffic to prevent accidents and improve water safety standards.

Other measures include inspections of vessels and life-saving equipment, ensuring boat operators comply with waterway traffic regulations, and organising piers and passenger pick-up and drop-off points to suit local conditions.

A key concern, however, is the limited space available for businesses.

Pattaya City and the Marine Department previously established designated operating zones in Pattaya Bay under the “Pattaya Model” to ensure that the use of the waterway remained appropriate and safe.

The number of businesses operating in the area has since increased, while available space remains limited. Authorities are concerned that a continued rise in the number of boats and activities could lead to overcrowding and increase the risk of accidents, particularly for activities requiring large areas of water.

The initial approach will therefore focus on preventing the number of operators from exceeding the area’s capacity. Authorities will consider reallocating or adjusting existing zones where necessary to accommodate current operators.

The policy is not intended to significantly expand the designated areas, but rather to prioritise safety and suitability.

Pattaya City will coordinate with the Marine Department, police, marine and coastal resource agencies, fisheries officials and business operators to establish clear and practical regulations.

The authorities also aim to protect the marine environment while supporting the tourism economy, with the goal of developing Pattaya Bay into a safe, well-regulated and sustainable marine tourism destination.

Chachoengsao pub raided, 40 underage patrons found

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8 August 2026, 11:29

CHACHOENGSAO — 8 August 2026, a special Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) team raided a popular pub in central Chachoengsao, and found 40 underage patrons, following complaints that it was operating without a licence.

The operation was led by Deputy Interior Minister Phonphir Suwannachwee at around 1:30, with DOPA special operations officers, provincial officials, district officials and Chachoengsao police joining the raid at 90’s Bar & Restaurant on Thepkhunakorn Road in Na Mueang subdistrict.

Officials found a large number of customers inside and separated men and women for screening.

More than 40 customers were found to be under the age of 20, while officers also found crystal methamphetamine and ketamine allegedly discarded on the floor by customers attempting to hide the drugs.

Urine tests found more than 30 people, both men and women, with substances in their systems.

Officials also inspected a concealed area on the second floor, where nearly 10 karaoke rooms were reportedly operating. Customers could allegedly continue drinking and using the rooms after leaving the pub downstairs.

Deputy Interior Minister Phonphir said the raid followed complaints received by Mueang Chachoengsao district officials about groups of young people allegedly gathering at the venue.

An initial inspection found that the establishment did not have permission to operate.

The person claiming to own the venue was also identified as a village headman in Khlong Preng subdistrict, Mueang Chachoengsao district. He allegedly told officials that several other people, including government officials, were also business partners.

Phonphir ordered local authorities to take legal action against all parties involved and prepare to shut down the establishment immediately.

24-year-old man warned after smoking cannabis at Nakhon Nayok hospital

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8 August 2026, 11:11

24-year-old man warned after smoking cannabis at Nakhon Nayok hospital

NAKHON NAYOK — 7 August 2026, A 24-year-old man was warned by police after being caught smoking cannabis on the grounds of Nakhon Nayok Hospital.

At around 10:30, the hospital’s security guards contacted police after spotting the man sitting at a stone table near the obstetrics and gynaecology building, close to the hospital canteen.

Police and hospital staff found the man sitting at the table and questioned him about smoking cannabis in a hospital compound, where smoking is prohibited.

A search of his bag found a packet of cannabis and a knife, which officers seized. The man also led officers to a homemade smoking device made from a modified plastic bottle that he had hidden under a tree near the hospital wall.

Officials warned him that smoking cannabis in the hospital grounds was inappropriate. The man apologised to police and hospital staff and promised not to repeat the behaviour.

He was not charged and was allowed to leave after officers learned that he had been at the hospital to look after his sick mother, who was receiving treatment there.

A security guard said he had first warned the man and photographed the incident before contacting police. The man admitted smoking cannabis and apologised, while staff decided not to pursue the matter after learning about his mother’s condition.

Immediate measures for reopening schools

National school safety standard within 90 days

Schools may search bags of at-risk students

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