A principal, who was shot while defending her students during an attack by an armed teenager, has died in the hospital, as confirmed by local authorities.
Sasiphat Sinsamosorn, the head teacher, and a female student were shot when an 18-year-old intruder entered the Patongprathankeeriwat School shortly before 5 PM local time on Wednesday, February 11.
Reports from local police indicate that Ms. Sinsamosorn succumbed to her injuries in the early hours of Thursday, February 12. The student who was injured is currently in a stable condition. A second student was also hospitalized after jumping from a window in a desperate attempt to escape the gunfire.
Officials have identified the suspect as a teenager with a history of substance abuse and mental health challenges.
The police in Hat Yai, located in the deep south of Thailand, were initially summoned to the school due to reports of a disturbance from the suspect. The gunman subsequently attacked a police officer present at the scene and took the officer's firearm.
Afterward, he entered the school and held several students and teachers hostage for two hours before law enforcement was able to apprehend him. During the standoff, police managed to injure the perpetrator.
While the exact motive behind his actions is not yet clear, Thai media reports suggest he might have had a personal issue with a teacher at the school.
In a heartfelt post on social media, the school expressed its condolences for the principal’s untimely death, honoring her bravery in protecting the students. The faculty conveyed their “deepest condolences” to her family, friends, and the student body.
The tribute stated, “Though we have lost her, the memories and kindness she imparted will remain with us forever.”
Gun violence poses a significant problem in Thailand, where both legal and illicit firearms are prevalent. The nation has faced a wave of deadly shootings in recent years.
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