A former police officer massacred a daycare center in Thailand, killing more than 30 people. The man committed the crime on Thursday afternoon (local time) in the northeast of the country’s Nong Bua Lamphu province. Deputy Chief of Police Torsak Sukwimol initially spoke of at least 34 deaths. It was later reported that the number had risen to 38. More than 20 children were among the victims. This would have killed the perpetrators mainly with a knife.
Thai media spoke of a massacre. Most of the victims are said to have died in kindergarten, but the perpetrator, 34, who was only recently discharged from the police force, continued to shoot and kill people while escaping from his car, Thai media reported. There were also numerous serious injuries.
The ex-cop is said to have been in court hours before the crime. A police spokesperson reported on television that he had come to the kindergarten to pick up his child. He opened fire when he did not find the child there.
The local hospital called on the population to donate blood. The horror in the whole country was enormous. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha issued a statement calling it a “shocking incident” and said: “I have instructed the national police chief to travel to the region to expedite legal action and I have asked all concerned to please everyone involved. to set.” urgent help.”
Pregnant caregiver among the fatalities
Eyewitnesses told Thai media about the time of the crime. The assailant was armed with firearms and knives. He used force to gain access to the building in the Na Klang neighborhood and immediately opened fire, Khaosod newspaper quoted a survivor as saying. He aimed at anyone who stood in his way. Many children are said to have been attacked by the perpetrator in a dormitory. The victims also included a pregnant kindergarten teacher.
The assailant then fled in a white pickup truck. Shortly afterwards, it was revealed that the man had committed suicide. Previously, he is said to have killed his wife and child in his home. A burned-out pickup truck was found nearby. It was unclear whether the perpetrator and his family were among the official number of victims.
Anger may have been the reason for the act
The background of the fact was still unclear. The perpetrator was released from police custody in June for drug-related offences. Methamphetamine pills had previously been found on him. It was speculated that the man may have been under the influence of drugs at the time. A police spokesman said anger at his dismissal and a lawsuit against him may also have been the reason for the crime.
Nong Bua Lamphu province is located 500 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, near the border with Laos. It is one of the worst acts of violence in the Buddhist country’s recent history. In February 2020, a soldier killed 29 people in a frenzy. The sergeant had taken hostages at a shopping center in Nakhon Ratchasima in the northeast of the country. He was later shot dead by security forces.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
