A school principal who was shot during a siege at an educational institution in southern Thailand has died from her injuries, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
Sasiphat Sinsamosorn was critically wounded when an 18-year-old gunman entered a school near the city of Hat Yai shortly before 17:00 local time (10:00 GMT) on Wednesday.
Police said she passed away before dawn the following day.
Students Injured During Standoff
A female student who was also shot during the incident remains in stable condition, according to local officials. Another student sustained injuries after jumping from a window while attempting to escape and is still receiving treatment in hospital.
The suspect was taken into custody after a tense two-hour standoff that left students and teachers trapped inside the Phatong Prathan Keeriwat School building.
Authorities have not yet established a clear motive. However, local media reports suggest the suspect may have had a grievance involving a teacher at the school.
Community Mourns Loss
In a statement posted on Facebook, the school expressed profound sorrow over the principal’s death.
“Although we have lost her, the memories and kindness she left behind will forever remain in our hearts,” the message read.
The tragedy has shaken the local community, with many expressing condolences and support for the victims’ families.
Gun Violence Concerns in Thailand
Gun ownership — both legal and illegal — is relatively widespread in Thailand, where firearm-related incidents occur more frequently than in many neighbouring countries.
In recent years, the country has experienced several high-profile shootings. Last year, five people were killed in an attack at a food market in Bangkok. In 2023, a teenage gunman killed two people at a shopping mall in the capital. In 2022, a former police officer carried out one of Thailand’s deadliest mass shootings at a kindergarten in the northeast, killing 36 people, most of them children.
Investigation Continues
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s siege. Officials have not indicated whether the suspect had prior criminal history or mental health concerns.
The incident has once again reignited debate over firearm access and school security measures in the country.