A school in southern Thailand was the target of a gunman who entered the Prathan Khiriwat School in Hat Yai, near the Malaysia border, on Wednesday evening, taking teachers and students hostage. Reports indicate that one teacher was shot during the incident. Police responded quickly as chaos ensued with students fleeing the premises while some remained trapped inside.
The school principal sustained serious injuries in the attack, according to law enforcement officials. A security guard who managed to escape recounted how the headmaster was shot. He mentioned, “A bullet grazed my stomach, but I was able to get away. The school director was shot, and there are still children inside the school who are being held hostage.”
Law enforcement in the Thung Lung district received information about an 18-year-old gunman exhibiting erratic behavior and making threats at a nearby residence. Upon attempting to apprehend him, the suspect reportedly armed himself with an M4 submachine gun, entered the school, and fired shots, resulting in the principal’s severe injury and the taking of hostages. The authorities later apprehended the suspect, confirming three injuries but stating that there were no longer any hostages.
The public has been advised to avoid the area while Hat Yai police, special operations units, and rescue teams work to resolve the situation.
