Alarm spreads through Thai schools after the Debsirin massacre as teenagers praise the shooter and discuss guns. Chiang Mai students talked of a Glock 19 and filming an attack, while Chaichanok reveals the gunman never accessed the dark web at all.
Gun fascination, copycat threats and open support for last Friday’s 14-year-old Debsirin school shooter are now surfacing among Thai teenagers, forcing police into fresh school security operations. In Chiang Mai, students discussed a Glock 19, shooting routes and filming an attack, while Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob says the Nonthaburi gunman never used the dark web. Instead, investigators traced ordinary YouTube browsing, educational material and a gaming account containing a virtual gun shop, prompting new scrutiny of mainstream platforms and online safeguards.
A troubling pattern has surfaced in Thai schools since last Friday’s deadly shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School. Some teenagers are displaying a fascination with guns, while others have voiced support for the 14-year-old shooter.
Moreover, threatening messages about further school attacks have appeared in student chat groups. Within three days, police were responding to another prestigious school over fears of a possible copycat attack.
The most serious case emerged at Montfort College in Chiang Mai. Students exchanged messages about guns and carrying out a shooting through a LINE group. Significantly, one participant posted a photograph apparently showing a handgun inside a car. Another student identified it as a real 9mm Glock 19. The discussion then moved to possible targets, timing and filming an attack.
Minister rules out dark web link as police trace Debsirin shooter’s mainstream internet activity
Meanwhile, Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob has revealed important findings about the Debsirin shooter. Contrary to earlier reports, the teenager had not been accessing the dark web. Instead, police found ordinary internet browsing, YouTube viewing and educational websites. However, Mr Chaichanok said the teenager’s previous research appeared to indicate a pre-planned decision.
Investigators also uncovered another significant detail. The 14-year-old had an online gaming account where he had created a virtual gun shop.
Consequently, officials contacted the gaming association about possible cooperation. Mr Chaichanok suggested gaming companies could identify accounts showing particular interest in firearms. Such information could potentially be passed to government agencies for preventative measures.
The minister disclosed the findings at Sanam Luang at 6.40 am on Wednesday, August 12. Earlier reports had claimed the teenager accessed dark-web sites containing material about murder. However, Mr Chaichanok said police investigations established that those reports were incorrect. The student had instead used mainstream online services available to millions of ordinary users.
Police find YouTube and educational browsing as inquiry examines shooter’s earlier online research
In particular, investigators found YouTube use and basic internet browsing. Some of the material examined consisted of educational documentaries.
Therefore, Mr Chaichanok stressed that the content was not necessarily the extreme violent material initially imagined. Moreover, he said the ministry could not simply prohibit or block such mainstream services.
However, investigators continued examining the teenager’s online history before Friday’s attack. Mr Chaichanok said his previous research suggested the decision had been planned. Nevertheless, he stopped short of making a definitive judgment about individual websites or particular material. The distinction was important because the websites themselves were ordinary services.
At the same time, investigators examined the teenager’s gaming activity. They discovered he maintained an account in a game where he had created a gun shop. Consequently, officials contacted the gaming association. Mr Chaichanok said the purpose was not to block or ban the child from gaming services.
Gaming firms may be asked to flag firearm-focused accounts as officials seek stronger safeguards
Instead, he raised the possibility of cooperation between gaming companies and government agencies. Companies could potentially identify accounts showing unusual or sustained interest in firearms.
Furthermore, accounts displaying other potentially risky activity might also be identified. Relevant information could then be supplied to government agencies for possible preventative action.
Mr Chaichanok also revealed that wider discussions with technology companies were already underway. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission had previously spoken with several platforms about protection policies. Those discussions included technology giants Apple and Meta. In particular, initial talks with Apple focused on conditions governing services and its child protection policy.
Discussions with other platforms are continuing. Moreover, Mr Chaichanok said officials had recognised broader online risks before the Debsirin shooting. The government was already examining internet content, artificial intelligence, fake news and scammers. Therefore, the work was not launched solely because of Friday’s killings.
Child protection gaps remain as copycat school threats spread through student chats after shooting
Nevertheless, significant gaps remain in online child protection measures. In particular, children can access websites through accounts registered to their parents.
Mr Chaichanok acknowledged that this problem would remain. Consequently, platform restrictions could not provide complete protection. However, he described the measures being discussed as a first level of protection.
The disclosures came as schools faced another immediate problem following Friday’s shooting. Threatening messages began appearing among students elsewhere in Thailand. Moreover, some exchanges displayed fascination with firearms and apparent interest in copying the Nonthaburi attacker. The most detailed incident disclosed publicly emerged at Montfort College.
On Monday, August 10, students exchanged threatening messages through a LINE group linked to the Chiang Mai school. Screenshots were subsequently supplied to reporters. Students’ names were anonymised and replaced with pseudonyms. However, the exchanges themselves contained detailed references to firearms and a possible attack.
Montfort students discuss Glock 19 and school shooting as LINE messages trigger parental alarm
One student shared a photograph showing a handgun on somebody’s lap in the driver’s seat of a vehicle. Another participant asked whether the weapon was genuine. “Real 9mm pistol. Brand Glock 19,” came the reply. Furthermore, the same participant discussed different types of firearms and shared a close-up image of the handgun.
The conversation then became significantly more serious. Further exchanges appeared in a popular LINE group called “Montford Dark Side”. There, students openly discussed carrying out a shooting. One participant asked whether the conversation was a joke. Another replied by telling others to call large numbers of police because his home sold guns.
Another student then asked whether one participant really intended to shoot people the following day. “I want to see it on the news,” the message said. Furthermore, the participant encouraged the other student to “take out the whole group”. The response was brief: “Okay. Let’s do it.”
The exchanges then became more specific. One participant asked whether the planned time was exactly 10 am. Another asked where the shooting would begin. Meanwhile, another student suggested moving through the campus building by building. “I’ll record the video,” that participant said.
Students discuss shooting route and filming attack before screenshots spread rapidly among parents
One student then identified a proposed starting point. “I’ll start shooting from the student affairs office to the electric shop,” the message said. Meanwhile, another participant said he would remain inside a building. He asked the supposed shooter not to come upstairs. “I’ll record a video,” he added.
Another account of the exchanges said the threat targeted particular students. Those targets were described as students who bullied others and those who condoned such behaviour. However, police still had to establish the facts behind the messages. The exchanges had largely appeared under anonymous or pseudonymous usernames.
Screenshots quickly escaped the original student groups. Consequently, they were forwarded into LINE groups used by parents. Concern then spread rapidly among families with children attending Montfort College. Some parents contacted the school immediately, while others travelled there to collect their children.
One circulated warning captured the alarm. “Anyone with children at Montfort High School right now, the situation is not good,” it said. The message claimed senior students were planning to shoot each other inside the school. Furthermore, the writer said their own child would no longer attend classes.
Other parents were already arriving at the campus. Consequently, Montfort College contacted Mae Ping Police Station. Around 20 officers were dispatched to inspect the school on August 10. Police also began tracing the students responsible for the messages.
Police identify students behind threats as Montfort tightens security and searches bags at school
Meanwhile, school officials worked with investigators to identify those involved. A teacher later said the students had been identified and questioned. According to the teacher, they admitted sending the messages “out of mischief”. Furthermore, they said they were imitating an online trend.
The students maintained they never expected their messages to spread so widely. One reportedly described the posting as a moment of youthful recklessness. However, screenshots had already reached parents and triggered a substantial police response. Therefore, officers continued investigating despite those explanations.
Security was tightened further on Tuesday, August 11. Mae Ping police officers joined teachers at entrances to Montfort College. Together, they thoroughly checked students, teachers and staff entering the grounds. Moreover, students’ bags were inspected before they were allowed onto the campus.
Police also searched classrooms and other areas inside the school. The operation coincided with a Mother’s Day event being held that day. Consequently, security checks covered students and other people entering the grounds for activities. Nevertheless, some worried parents continued arriving to collect their children.
Officers also provided students with advice about responding to violence. They discussed recognising warning signs and monitoring potentially dangerous situations. Furthermore, police explained how students could seek shelter during an attack. They also outlined ways to respond if violence occurred inside the school.
Montfort returns to normal as police question students and strengthen security across Chiang Mai
Montfort College later said the situation had returned to normal. Importantly, no shooting or other violent incident had occurred. Students continued attending lessons, activities and sports according to their schedules. However, the school allowed concerned parents to keep children away when necessary.
The school had earlier issued a notice explaining its response. Its student affairs department had coordinated directly with Mae Ping police investigators. Consequently, police agreed to help monitor security while the threatening messages were investigated. The school also asked parents, students and staff to cooperate with security arrangements.
Meanwhile, Chiang Mai Provincial Police continued tracing those involved. Pol Maj Gen Yutthana Kaenchan, Commander of Chiang Mai Provincial Police, confirmed officers had identified the students. Their parents were subsequently contacted and invited to meet investigators. Police wanted to establish why the messages were sent and clarify exactly what happened.
Furthermore, Pol Maj Gen Yutthana ordered police throughout Chiang Mai to strengthen security around schools. Officers were instructed to increase surveillance around educational institutions across the province. The measures were intended to cover students, teachers, school employees and parents.
Police examine apparent Glock 19 image as school urges reliance on official information and calm
Police also continued examining the photographs circulated with the messages. In particular, investigators needed to establish the circumstances surrounding the apparent Glock 19.
The initial material available to reporters consisted largely of screenshots involving pseudonymous accounts. Therefore, identifying the individuals behind each account became an important part of the inquiry.
Chiang Mai police subsequently advised students and parents to obtain information primarily from schools and official agencies. They also asked people not to forward unverified messages. Meanwhile, Montfort College issued a further clarification through its Facebook page.
The school stressed that conditions inside the campus were orderly and normal. Furthermore, it confirmed that no violent incident had taken place. Mae Ping Police Station nevertheless remained closely involved in security arrangements. Students continued attending classes, activities and sports as scheduled.
However, the timing of the exchanges ensured they received immediate attention. They surfaced only three days after the Debsirin Nonthaburi School shooting. Moreover, the messages involved an apparent handgun, specific shooting locations and discussion of filming an attack.
Chiang Mai threats emerge as Debsirin inquiry finds no dark-web link and traces ordinary platforms
The Chiang Mai incident also unfolded while investigators examined the Debsirin shooter’s own online behaviour. Those inquiries have produced a different picture from the initial reports. Crucially, investigators found no dark-web connection in the material described by Mr Chaichanok.
Instead, the teenager used mainstream internet services. His activity included YouTube, ordinary browsing and educational material. Nevertheless, Mr Chaichanok said earlier research by the teenager appeared consistent with planning before the attack.
Furthermore, investigators found the virtual gun shop created through his gaming account. That discovery brought another ordinary online environment into the investigation. Consequently, officials approached the gaming association about possible future cooperation.
The minister suggested gaming companies could help identify particular patterns involving firearms. However, he did not call for games or accounts to be automatically banned. Instead, he proposed cooperation where companies identified accounts considered potentially risky.
LINE threats and Debsirin shooter’s online history point to mainstream platforms used by teens
At the same time, the Chiang Mai exchanges showed students discussing guns through another mainstream service. They used LINE rather than hidden forums. Moreover, their conversation included the make and calibre of an apparent handgun.
The discussion then moved beyond simple gun fascination. Students talked about where a shooting could begin and when it might happen. Furthermore, participants discussed moving through buildings and recording the violence. One explicitly said he wanted to see the attack on the news.
Those involved later said the exchanges were mischievous and followed an online trend. However, police identified them and contacted their parents. Officers also descended on their school, searched bags and inspected classrooms. Meanwhile, security was increased around schools throughout Chiang Mai.
The two episodes are separate and involve very different circumstances. However, both emerged around teenage discussions of guns and online material. One concerns the activity of the Debsirin shooter before Friday’s killings. The other concerns threatening exchanges among Chiang Mai students three days later.
Furthermore, both cases involve ordinary online platforms rather than hidden internet networks. The Debsirin shooter used YouTube, conventional websites and an online game. The Chiang Mai students used LINE to circulate firearm photographs and shooting threats.
Minister corrects dark-web claim as police and schools confront gun-related activity among students
Mr Chaichanok’s disclosure has therefore corrected one central claim surrounding the Nonthaburi investigation. Police have not established that the 14-year-old used the dark web. Instead, the online trail described by the minister ran through mainstream services.
Nevertheless, investigators found evidence which Mr Chaichanok said suggested previous research and planning. They also uncovered the teenager’s virtual gun shop. Meanwhile, officials were already discussing stronger child safeguards with Apple, Meta and other platforms.
Yet the minister acknowledged the practical limits of those measures. Children can still use accounts belonging to their parents. Therefore, age controls and other restrictions can be bypassed. Discussions with platforms are continuing.
In Chiang Mai, meanwhile, the immediate threat has subsided. Montfort College says conditions are normal and no violence occurred. However, police continue examining the students, their messages and the apparent firearm photograph.
The response was substantial. Around 20 officers were initially deployed to the campus. Subsequently, students were checked and their bags searched. Police inspected classrooms and briefed students about responding to violence.
Chiang Mai police strengthen school security as investigators examine threats and online gun images
Furthermore, the provincial police commander ordered stronger security around schools across Chiang Mai. Parents of the students involved were also called in for discussions. Investigators continued working to establish why the messages were posted.
The episode followed Friday’s killings in Nonthaburi and came amid intense examination of the shooter’s online history. Since then, gun-related exchanges among other teenagers have attracted immediate police attention.
In Chiang Mai, those exchanges included an apparent Glock 19, a proposed time and possible shooting locations. They also included offers to record an attack. Meanwhile, in Nonthaburi, investigators found a teenage shooter who had researched online and created a virtual gun shop.
For now, the investigations have established an important distinction. The internet activity disclosed in both cases occurred through ordinary services used widely by Thai teenagers. The Debsirin shooter did not need the dark web. Meanwhile, the Montfort students used an everyday LINE group for their threatening exchanges.
Students call threats mischief as officials widen talks with technology firms and gaming companies
The students in Chiang Mai later dismissed their conversation as mischief and imitation of an online trend. Nevertheless, within hours their messages had reached parents, police and school officials. The campus was then placed under heightened security.
Meanwhile, Mr Chaichanok has pushed the issue towards major technology and gaming companies. Talks with platforms over child protection were already underway. Now, the gaming industry has also been contacted following discoveries from the Debsirin investigation.
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The developments have unfolded within days of each other. First came the deadly attack at Debsirin Nonthaburi School. Then investigators traced the shooter’s ordinary internet and gaming activity. Finally, gun photographs and shooting threats surfaced among students at another prestigious Thai school.
Consequently, police are now dealing with the immediate fallout in Chiang Mai. Government officials are separately examining what mainstream online platforms can identify or restrict. Both responses follow the online trail left by teenagers discussing guns, violence and school shootings.
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