BANGKOK — Thailand’s government says nine people were killed and 27 injured in a shooting at Thepsirin Nonthaburi School in Nonthaburi Province on August 7, 2026. As of 10 a.m. on August 9, no additional deaths had been reported.

Lalida Phariswiwatthana, a deputy government spokesperson, said 13 of the 27 injured people had been discharged from hospital, while 14 remained hospitalized. Five are in critical condition, five are in moderate condition and four have minor injuries. Eight patients have undergone surgery.

The 14 remaining patients are being treated at eight hospitals in Bangkok and Nonthaburi. Two more patients are expected to be discharged today after doctors determined they can continue their recovery at home.

The Ministry of Public Health has activated a medical and public health incident command system in coordination with the Nonthaburi Provincial Public Health Office, public and private hospitals, and the National Institute for Emergency Medicine. Officials said all injured patients would receive treatment based on medical need, without restrictions related to treatment costs or healthcare coverage.

The ministry has also deployed Mental Health Crisis Assessment and Treatment Teams (MCATT) to support students, teachers, school staff, families of victims and witnesses. Mental health assessments will continue over the next two weeks, one month and three months.

“The government extends its deepest condolences to the families of those who died,” the deputy spokesperson said. “Support will not end with treating physical injuries. Mental health care for students, teachers, families and others affected will continue.”

The government has also urged media organizations and the public not to circulate graphic images, photographs of victims or injured people, or personal information about those affected, warning that such material could cause further psychological harm.

Government plans nationwide school safety standards

Following the shooting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yotchanan Wongsawat, Education Minister Prasert Jantanaruangthong, Labour Minister Julapun Amornvivat and Social Development and Human Security Minister Nikorn Somklang held a meeting on measures to strengthen security in schools.

The government said its goal is to ensure that “schools are safe spaces for everyone”, including students, teachers, staff and parents.

Officials said the new approach would focus not only on physical security but also on mental health and early identification of children at risk.

In the immediate term, the government plans to expand access to mental health support for students, teachers and affected families, including through mental health professionals and school-based mental health volunteers. Schools will also establish appropriate support systems before students return to classes.

The classroom where the shooting occurred will remain closed. Parents will be allowed to monitor their children during the initial period under arrangements designed to maintain safety without disrupting education. Students and teachers suffering significant psychological effects may also be allowed to transfer to another school where appropriate.

Within 90 days, the government plans to establish a National School Safety Standard to serve as a common framework for schools nationwide.

The proposed measures include

1. Regular mental health screening for students and teachers, with referrals to specialists for those at risk.

2. Training guidance and homeroom teachers to identify warning signs, conduct basic screening and provide psychological first aid.

3. Allowing students to report safety concerns through the Traffy Fondue platform and connecting reports with relevant authorities.

4. Conducting regular emergency drills covering different types of threats.

5. Applying a zero-tolerance policy toward bullying and violent behavior.

6. Screening people and prohibited items before they enter school premises and strengthening security measures inside schools.

A deputy director-general of the Department of Mental Health also proposed greater involvement from families, schools, communities and parent networks in monitoring children's well-being.

Officials said the HERO OBEC Care system, which currently covers more than 85% of schools under Thailand’s Office of the Basic Education Commission, would be expanded to help teachers assess and support students at risk.

The government also emphasized two-way communication, encouraging schools to create safe environments where students have trusted adults they can talk to rather than being left to deal with problems alone.

The Ministry of Education has called a nationwide meeting with relevant agencies and schools from all education systems to explain the new safety measures and prepare related regulations. The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security will provide social workers and psychologists to support affected children and families.

The government said the measures are intended to go beyond the immediate response to the shooting and establish a long-term nationwide system in which students can easily seek help, trusted adults are available to listen, and clear referral mechanisms are in place when risks are identified.

“Schools must be places where children feel confident to learn, speak up when they have problems and know that someone will help when they feel unsafe,” the deputy spokesperson said.