AN INSPECTION of the computer used by a 14-year-old male student who went on a rampage at Thepsinin School in Nonthaburi this morning (Aug. 7) killing seven people including himself and injuring 15 others revealed a history of searching for similar incidents in the US, Amarin TV said.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Wattana Yijin, commander of Provincial Police Region 1, inspected the perpetrator’s home in Bang Bua Thong district, where he lived with his grandparents who he shot dead before the school massacre, with the front door being locked from outside and officers having to cut the padlock to enter.
Preliminary examination showed that the grandfather was shot in the back, with the bullet exiting the front, while the grandmother is believed to have been shot while sleeping.
Investigation into the student’s motive continues with Pol. Lt. Gen. Wattana saying that neighbours did not hear gunshots or report the incident because the house is usually quiet and no one was nearby.
The teenager’s uncle, the youngest son of the deceased grandparents, said he had lived with them since childhood and showed a penchant for playing computer video games while rarely going out.
He added that he was not aware of his nephew being involved in any fights nor was he stressed.
Furthermore, reports indicate that the firearm used in the incident was legally registered to the perpetrator’s grandfather.
In examining his computer police also found evidence that the teenager played violent video games with police continuing their investigation to determine certain behaviour patterns that might have motivated him to go on this shooting spree and also whether he had problems at school.
Meanwhile Deputy Prime Minster-cum-Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yodchanan Wongsawat stepped up security at educational institutions nationwide after this massacre while Prime Minister-cum-Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is moving to amend gun control laws.
Speaking to the press while inspecting Thepsirin Nonthaburi School Yodchanan said has ordered three urgent measures as follows:
– Short-term steps: Temporarily suspending classes at this school coinciding with the weekend and clearing the area as well as assessing the situation in the vicinity. An announcement will be issued later whether classes will resume on Monday or Tuesday;
– Urgent psychological support with this ministry working closely with the Public Health Ministry’s Mental Health Department in immediately assessing and giving psychological support to students, teachers, educational personnel, and the families of those affected;
Long-term measures: A comprehensive review and upgrading of security measures at all educational institutions nationwide, focusing on preventing bullying in schools. Police are currently gathering comprehensive information about this case to close all loopholes and prevent such incidents from occurring again.
Yodchanan also mentioned that to meet the need for additional blood supply for the injured Col. Apiyuth brought 50 soldiers to donate blood. He urged the general public to urgently donate blood of all groups at Phra Nang Klao Hospital.
Earlier Prime Minister Anutin reiterated his firm stance to resist pressure for relaxing gun control laws, pointing out that this incident serves as an answer.
“And please, don’t discuss this with me again,” he said.
He added that the authorities are currently able to control the carrying of registered firearms and cracking down on illegal guns but had to enforce the law more strictly.
He is going to table a new firearms legislation because, in the past, the authorities could only prohibit the purchase, possession, and carrying of firearms in public, but were unable to amend existing laws.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page: Pol. Lt. Gen. Wattana Yijin.
First insert: Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yodchanan Wongsawat.
Second insert: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. All photos – Amarin TV
Earlier report:
13 children hurt as car rams into development centre after 7 die in school shooting spree
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