Thai authorities say that at least 36 people, including 23 young children, were killed and a dozen others were left wounded following a mass shooting and knife attack at a daycare center in the town of Nongbua Lamphu.
Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau identified the lone suspect as former police officer Panya Kamrab, who was removed from his position in June due to allegations he was selling and using drugs, in which he appeared in court for his charges just hours before the attack. Police spokesperson Maj. General Paisan Luesomboon told CNN that “(The shooter) went to look for his two-year-old son, but the boy was not there … so he started shooting, as well as stabbing people at the nursery.”
Attack on a kindergarten in Thailand: at least 30 people died, 23 of them children.
Deepest condolences to their families. They are living through hell now. pic.twitter.com/W8JsyMJOuB
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) October 6, 2022
Armed with a handgun, shotgun, and a knife, Kamrab began shooting and stabbing children and staff. At one point, he forced himself into a locked room where children were sleeping and began to fatally stab them, as well as their pregnant teacher, district official Jidapa Boonsom told Reuters. The ages of the child victims are said to range from 2 to 5 years old. Upon exiting the daycare, Kamrab continued to shoot and stab people outside, as well as attempt to run people over with his vehicle. The suspect then returned home, where he murdered his wife and stepson before killing himself.
Mass #shooting at a #childcare centre in #Thailand’s northeastern province of Nong Bua Lam Phu. Initial reports indicate 38 people killed, mostly children.
Police have named a suspect, a 34-year Ex police officer.
He’s still on the run. #??????? #?????????????????? pic.twitter.com/dfsfqebTUk— Chaudhary Parvez (@ChaudharyParvez) October 6, 2022
In a statement posted to his Facebook, Thai Prime Minister Prayuth said “I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of the lost and injured. I have ordered the police commander to immediately go to the area to expedite legal action and to provide immediate recovery to all affected people.” In another post, he thanked everyone who donated blood to help survivors.
While an exact motive is unknown at this time, local police official Jackrapat Wijitwaitaya told Bloomberg that the suspect “was believed to be under the influence of drugs” at the time of the attack.
