School Shooting in Hat Yai District Leaves One Dead and Several Injured

A tragic shooting took place at a school in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, in southern Thailand on February 11, 2026. The incident involved a gunman who entered the school premises and opened fire, leading to the death of the school’s director and injuries to students. The school involved is Patongprathankiriwat School. During the attack, a 14-year-old female student was shot and required surgery to treat her wounds. Another student suffered an ankle injury after jumping from a height to escape the gunfire. The injuries of the victims highlight the serious danger and distress caused by this event. After the shooting, the suspect, an 18-year-old male, was quickly detained by police. He was found to have stolen a firearm from a police officer before entering the school and shooting. The suspect was involved in a standoff with police before his arrest. As of now, authorities have not confirmed the motive behind the attack. The victim who died is Sasiphat Sinsamosorn, the school’s director. She was critically wounded during the incident and died in the early hours of February 12, 2026. Her death marks a tragic loss for the school community. The school has issued a statement expressing condolences, saying, “Although we have lost her, the memories and kindness she left behind will forever remain in our hearts.” This incident raises concerns about gun safety and violence in Thailand. The country has a high rate of gun ownership, with an estimated ten million firearms in circulation. That means there is roughly one firearm for every seven people. The widespread availability of guns can make violent incidents more dangerous and harder to control. In recent years, Thailand has experienced other tragic events involving guns. In 2022, a previous mass shooting occurred at a daycare center in Uthai Sawan, where a former police officer killed 36 people, including 24 children. This was the deadliest massacre in the country’s recent history and highlights ongoing issues related to gun violence. The current situation shows the importance of strengthening safety measures. Authorities are working to understand the details of the attack and to ensure the safety of schools and communities moving forward. No official statement has yet confirmed the reasons behind the attack or whether any similar incidents are expected. The response from police and local authorities emphasizes the need to manage gun access and prevent future tragedies. Efforts to improve security and control firearms are part of the ongoing challenge in Thailand, where the high number of guns remains a significant concern. Officials continue to monitor the situation and gather information to support safety in schools and neighborhoods. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety rules surrounding firearms and the need for effective measures to protect public spaces. It also highlights the risk posed by the easy availability of guns in the region. The authorities’ focus remains on safeguarding communities and preventing similar tragedies in the future.