Gunman Shoots Dead Kindergarten Teacher in Eastern Thailand; 44 Children Safely Evacuated

Gunman kills kindergarten teacher in eastern Thailand, 44 children evacuated

Bangkok: A gunman shot and killed a kindergarten teacher inside a school building in eastern Thailand on Wednesday, triggering an emergency evacuation of dozens of young children.

The shooting took place at around 11 a.m. at Nongplalai Municipal Kindergarten in Chonburi province, approximately 150 kilometres southeast of Bangkok, according to authorities.

The Chonburi provincial government said all 44 students were unharmed and were evacuated from the school along with three other teachers following the shooting. 

Shooter believed to be victim's husband

Authorities said the suspect is believed to be the teacher's husband. He fled the school after the shooting, and police surrounded his residence as they began efforts to locate him.

Thai media reports identified the suspect as a police officer stationed at the nearby Bang Lamung police station. However, the Chonburi Provincial Police said the circumstances of the shooting remain under investigation. 

Police have not publicly established a motive for the killing.

Children taken to safety

The immediate priority after the shooting was to get the children and remaining staff out of the school safely.

According to provincial authorities, none of the 44 children was injured. The school was subsequently ordered closed by Chonburi Governor Narit Niramaiwong.

Mental-health professionals were also made available to support the children and school staff following the traumatic incident. 

Thailand faces renewed concern over school gun violence

The shooting comes at a time when Thailand is facing renewed scrutiny over gun violence and safety in schools.

In August 2026, a 14-year-old student opened fire at his high school and family home, killing eight people and injuring more than 20 others before apparently taking his own life.

Earlier this month, another 14-year-old student was arrested after allegedly firing several shots at a school in Kamphaeng Phet province. No one was injured in that incident. 

The incidents have intensified calls for stronger firearm controls in Thailand. The national government has ordered a review of gun regulations, including a suspension of new firearm purchase permits and a review of existing permits. 

Thailand has relatively high civilian gun ownership for the region, although mass shootings remain comparatively uncommon. Recent high-profile attacks, however, have renewed debate about gun access and school security. 

Investigation underway

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the kindergarten shooting, including the relationship between the victim and the suspected shooter and the motive behind the attack.

For now, authorities have confirmed that the children and other teachers escaped unharmed, while the school remains closed as the investigation continues.