Female School Director Dies After Student Gun Attack in Southern Thailand

By Blessing Nweke

A female teacher has died after being shot by a 17- year- old gunman at a school in southern Thailand, authorities confirmed Thursday.

The victim, identified as Sasiphat Sinsamosorn, served as both a teacher and director at Patongprathankiriwat School in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province. According to the provincial administration, the suspect used a firearm stolen from a police officer to open fire at the school on Wednesday.

Sasiphat was critically wounded in the attack and rushed to an intensive care unit, where she underwent emergency surgery. However, the Health Ministry said she died early Thursday due to severe internal organ injuries and significant blood loss.

A female student was also shot during the incident. Officials have not yet released details about her condition.

Police detained the 17 -year -old suspect shortly after the shooting. Authorities said the teenager has a sister enrolled at the school and a history of substance abuse. He had reportedly been discharged from a psychiatric hospital in December. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack and how the firearm was obtained.

The school expressed its grief in a message posted on Facebook, honoring Sasiphat’s dedication and service. “Although we have lost you, the memories and the goodness you left behind will remain in our heart forever,” the statement read.

The incident has renewed concerns about gun violence in Thailand, where firearm ownership is relatively common. In 2022, a former police officer carried out one of the country’s deadliest attacks, killing 36 people — including 22 children — in a gun-and-knife assault at a nursery in eastern Thailand.

Authorities say further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.