8-2-2024 (BANGKOK) A terrifying incident unfolded in Thailand as a gunman entered a school premises and reportedly held a female teacher and at least one student hostage, according to Thai media reports.
The dramatic scene took place at Ban Khwao Thung School, located in Maha Sarakham province in northeast Thailand, around noon. The assailant, believed to be the husband of the teacher, allegedly entered the school premises and proceeded to take his wife hostage. Thai PBS reported that he fired a few shots into the air during the incident. Additionally, he reportedly took at least one student hostage on the school’s second floor.
In response to the alarming situation, the police swiftly surrounded the school, initiating a tense standoff with the gunman. Negotiations ensued for approximately five hours as authorities worked diligently to ensure the safety of those trapped inside the school.
Fortunately, approximately 140 students were successfully evacuated from the premises, with no reported injuries, according to Thai PBS. Eventually, the hostages were released unharmed.
Reports suggest that the gunman’s actions were driven by personal issues. Thai media outlet Khaosod reported that the assailant had previously had an argument with his wife, who was also a teacher at the same school. He had allegedly been terminated from his job due to involvement in drug-related activities, which had caused significant family problems. The wife subsequently requested a divorce, leading to what appears to be a desperate attempt on the gunman’s part to reconcile with her.
After an intense five-hour negotiation period, authorities managed to apprehend the suspect at approximately 5:30 PM local time, as reported by Thai PBS.
