A tragic mass shooting at a school outside Bangkok, Thailand, has claimed the lives of nine people, including a 12-year-old girl who succumbed to her injuries in hospital. The violence erupted on Friday when a 14-year-old boy allegedly killed his grandparents before opening fire at Debsirin Nonthaburi School and then taking his own life. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many students traumatized and authorities investigating the full scope of the tragedy.

Escalating Death Toll and School Lockdown

Initially reported with a lower death toll, the number of fatalities rose to nine following the death of the young girl on Sunday. Among the victims were three teachers and two school officials. The 14-year-old suspect reportedly began his violent rampage at his family home, killing his two grandparents before proceeding to the school. He was found dead after apparently shooting himself.

The Thai Health Ministry confirmed the 12-year-old girl’s passing, noting she had been in seventh grade. The school had previously posted a plea on Facebook for blood donations for two injured students, including the girl. As of Sunday, fourteen individuals remained hospitalized, with seven in critical condition. The majority of those wounded were between the ages of 12 and 14, highlighting the devastating impact on the student population.

A Terrifying Ordeal Inside the Classroom

Students described harrowing experiences as they attempted to survive the attack. Khim, a 14-year-old student who asked to be identified only by her nickname, recounted the moments of intense fear. “I heard multiple gunshots and felt like we weren’t going to survive,” she told reporters. In a desperate bid for safety, students barricaded their classroom door with desks, switched off the lights, and huddled together, trying to remain unseen.

During the chaos, Khim’s mother attempted to contact her daughter to warn her about the shooter. However, trapped and terrified, Khim sent a crucial message back: “Mom, don’t call me, because the ringtone might go off.” This plea underscored the extreme danger and the need for absolute silence to avoid alerting the gunman.

For approximately 40 minutes, the school was under siege. Images of the alleged shooter moving through the school grounds circulated rapidly among students via chat groups, amplifying the sense of dread. “Then, I heard a bang that was extremely loud. It felt like it was right next to my ear,” Khim recalled, realizing the shooter was dangerously close to her classroom. The uncertainty of the shooter’s intentions—whether targeting individuals or intending widespread harm—added to the terror.

A Mother’s Desperate Measures

Khim’s class eventually received instructions to evacuate as police began to secure parts of the school. However, the shooter had already moved to another building, where Khim’s older sister was still in hiding. The mother, Kwan, who also requested anonymity, employed a strategic approach to ensure her elder daughter’s safety.

Over the phone, Kwan advised her elder daughter to “Count the shots to see if he’s out,” based on her assumption that the shooter was using a handgun with a limited ammunition capacity. Official reports later indicated the alleged shooter had fired at least 26 bullets, with an additional 34 rounds found in his possession, suggesting a more extensive arsenal than initially presumed.

As the sounds of the shooting seemed to draw nearer, Kwan contacted an emergency hotline. She informed the operator that she was on a speakerphone call with her child, who was relaying information about the shooter’s movements within the school. The operator confirmed that a specialized police unit had been dispatched.

Reunion and Reflection

Hours later, the family was reunited at their home in a suburb of Bangkok. The ordeal, while deeply traumatic, brought about a profound sense of gratitude and love. “When we are together, we fight all the time,” Khim said of her relationship with her older sister. “But seeing her this time, I’ve never loved her this much before.” The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of educational institutions and the devastating consequences of gun violence.