Thailand Daycare Massacre: 22 children among 34 dead after ex-cop goes on rampage before killing himself
Warning: This article contains graphic content that could be traumatic for some readers. Discretion is advised
NONG BUA, THAILAND: A gunman has killed at least 34 people, including 22 children, in a mass shooting Thursday, October 6, at a children's daycare center in Thailand.
A police official confirmed to Reuters that the gunman was a former police officer and took his own life following the shooting. It later emerged that he killed his wife and child before turning the gun on himself, and at least 12 people were injured in addition to the 34 casualties. The shooting occurred in the Na Klang district in Nong Bua Lamphu province in northeastern Thailand during the afternoon, while the children were asleep at the center.
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The gunman was identified in a report in Thailand-based Bangkok Post as former Pol Cpl Panya Khamrab. The outlet said he carried guns and knives as he forced his way inside the center and opened fire. Village chief Chanpen Dechpol said the children at the center were of nursery age.
Man behind Thurs's mass shooting at childcare centre in Nong Bua Lamphu which killed 30, many children, identified by police as former officer, pol sergeant Panya Kamrab. Assailant fled on a white pickup with Bangkok licence plate 6 กธ [Kor Tor]6499. #Thailand #กราดยิงหนองบัวลำภู pic.twitter.com/LrvjXFowzu
— Khaosod English (@KhaosodEnglish) October 6, 2022
Speaking to Thai channel PPTV HD 36, Maj Gen Paisan Leusomboon, who is the deputy police commissioner, confirmed that the perp was a former police officer who had recently been fired from his job and had drug addiction problems.
Mass #shooting at a #childcare centre in #Thailand’s northeastern province of Nong Bua Lam Phu. Initial reports indicate 38 people killed, mostly children.
— Chaudhary Parvez (@ChaudharyParvez) October 6, 2022
Police have named a suspect, a 34-year Ex police officer.
He’s still on the run. #กราดยิง #กราดยิงหนองบัวลำภู pic.twitter.com/dfsfqebTUk
Disturbing photos showed at least two bodies on the floor of the center covered in white sheets. Meanwhile, a local hospital has appealed for blood. Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha alerted all government agencies to take action and apprehend the culprit, but it later emerged that the gunman had ended his life after killing his wife and child.
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It's worth noting that the rate of gun ownership in Thailand is relatively high when compared to other countries in the region. Nonetheless, official figures do not suggest the presence of huge numbers of illegal firearms, many of which have been trafficked across porous borders over the years from politically unstable neighbors. While mass shootings are rare in the region, in 2020 a soldier killed at least 29 people and wounded 57 in a shooting rampage that spanned four locations. It later emerged that he was angry over a property deal gone wrong.
