Police say the Grade 9 student behind Friday’s Nonthaburi school massacre acted out of revenge for years of bullying after killing his grandparents, stealing a pistol and watching overseas mass shooting videos before the deadly rampage.
The 15-year-old who massacred his grandparents before gunning down three teachers and three students at his Nonthaburi school on Friday morning sought revenge for years of bullying, according to police investigators. Detectives say he stole his grandfather’s pistol before the attacks and have since uncovered evidence he watched videos of overseas mass shootings as they reconstruct the chain of events linking two crime scenes and one of Thailand’s worst atrocities, an act of evil.
Police investigators say a Grade 9 student carried out Friday’s deadly shooting at Thepsirin Nonthaburi School to avenge years of bullying.
Notably, detectives also uncovered evidence he had watched videos of overseas mass shootings before launching the attack. The discoveries emerged as officers pieced together two connected crime scenes stretching from a family home in Bang Bua Thong to the school campus in Bang Kruai.
According to investigators, the teenager had lived with his grandparents since childhood because his parents had separated. As part of the inquiry, detectives established that the gun used in the massacre belonged to his grandfather.
Police identified it as a CZ automatic pistol. Officers also recovered 34 unused rounds of ammunition and two magazines from the student’s bag. Investigators believe he stole the weapon before leaving home on Friday morning.
Police trace stolen grandfather’s pistol as investigation links family home killings with school massacre
Police say the suspected motive has now become clear. Detectives found the teenager had been repeatedly bullied by classmates over an extended period. He was regularly ridiculed, mocked and physically assaulted.
As a result, investigators believe resentment steadily intensified. They say he entered the school intending to target fellow students. However, teachers intervened and helped many students escape the gunfire. In response, detectives believe the teenager turned his weapon on teachers instead. Several teachers died during the attack, while other victims suffered injuries.
Meanwhile, investigators uncovered another crucial part of the case at the student’s family home. Police rushed to the property at 12.28 pm after receiving reports that two elderly people had been found shot dead.
Officers discovered the body of a 73-year-old man inside the kitchen. Elsewhere in the house, they found the body of a 74-year-old woman on a bed upstairs. Police confirmed both victims were the student’s grandparents.
Police say teenager killed grandparents before driving to school armed with pistol and spare ammunition
Detectives believe the teenager shot both grandparents during the early morning using his grandfather’s 9mm handgun. Afterwards, investigators say he left the house carrying the pistol, ammunition and spare magazines.
He then travelled directly to Thepsirin Nonthaburi School. Police are now reconstructing every movement between the two crime scenes. In parallel, forensic teams are matching evidence recovered from both locations.
Separately, detectives made another significant discovery while searching the grandparents’ home. Officers seized a desktop computer believed to have been used by the student before Friday’s shootings.
Forensic investigators found five video clips showing mass shootings in other countries. Police believe the teenager had been viewing the footage since July 30, more than a week before the attack.
Digital evidence reveals student watched overseas mass shooting videos days before executing Friday’s attack
On another front, digital forensic specialists are examining the computer in detail. Investigators are analysing stored files, viewing history and other electronic evidence. Police have not disclosed which countries appeared in the videos.
They have also not confirmed whether the footage was downloaded or viewed online. Nevertheless, detectives believe the computer forms an important part of the investigation.
At the same time, officers continue interviewing students, teachers and other witnesses. Ballistics experts are examining the recovered pistol and ammunition. Crime scene investigators are processing evidence collected from both locations. Detectives are also comparing witness accounts with forensic findings and digital evidence.
Prime Minister Anutin vows to continue his tough policy on gun ownership after Friday’s mass shooting
9 people dead after schoolboy’s morning of gunfire in Nonthaburi just outside Bangkok. 2 crime scenes
Looking back at the school attack, investigators believe the teenager arrived prepared for a sustained assault. The 34 unused rounds and two spare magazines remained inside his bag after the shooting. Police are examining whether he intended to fire additional rounds before the attack ended.
Finally, detectives continue assembling a minute-by-minute timeline covering both crime scenes. Every movement before, during and after the shootings remains under examination. The inquiry is continuing as police analyse physical, ballistic and electronic evidence recovered throughout Friday’s investigation.
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