SW News: Thailand is mourning the victims of the deadly shooting spree that left 34 people, including 24 children, dead and several wounded on Thursday. The incident took place at a preschool in the town of Uthai Sawan in the northern part of the country. The ruler of the country King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida are slated to visit two hospitals where the wounded are being treated later on Friday. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is also expected to visit the injured in hospitals.

Investigators identified former police officer Panya Kamlarb as the killer who later committed suicide in his residence after killing his family. Apparently, he was under the influence of drugs when the ghastly crime was committed.
Local media quoted eyewitnesses as saying that the killer arrived in a vehicle and gunned down a man who was having lunch before making his way to the preschool. Although the staff bolted the door from the inside, he forcibly opened it after shooting at the door. He then went on a rampage spraying bullets and killing the two- and three-year-olds who were taking a siesta. He later escaped in a pick-up truck and went home where he killed his family and took his own life.

A first responder’s video shows rescue workers rushing to the daycare center past glass shards and drops of blood on the floor. There were also slashes on the faces of the victims apart from gun wounds. The near and dear ones of the victims were seen sobbing uncontrollably as they gathered at the crime scene and hospitals. Psychologists have been deployed to give counseling to the injured victims and the family members of those who lost their lives.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that violence is both senseless and heartbreaking. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Twitter: “All Australians send their love and condolences.”
Thailand has one of the highest civilian gun ownership rates in Asia. However, mass shootings are pretty rare in the country.