Bangkok, February 11: A gunman who opened fire at a school in Thailand has been apprehended by police after a lengthy standoff. The provincial administration announced the incident via social media. Reports indicate that on Wednesday, the assailant took several students and teachers hostage at a school in Songkhla, southern Thailand.
According to the Xinhua news agency, the gunman held teachers and students captive in Hat Yai, a district in Songkhla.
Local media reported that the Mae Thap Tim Yala Foundation posted on its Facebook page at 4:59 PM, stating that an armed individual attacked the Patong Prathan Khiriwat School in Tambon Patong, firing shots. The foundation confirmed that an injured teacher was transported to the hospital, and police were dispatched to secure the area.
Authorities stated that the gunman entered the school as classes were concluding for the day. They noted that the attacker had taken several teachers and students hostage, leaving many frightened students trapped inside the building.
Hat Yai police established a special forces team to manage the situation and surrounded the school. Rescue teams were also deployed to evacuate as many children and others as possible from the premises.
Police mentioned that they brought local leaders to negotiate with the gunman. Residents were advised to avoid the area around the school for safety and to rely solely on updates from government agencies or trusted sources.
Currently, officers from the Hat Yai police station, special operations forces, and rescue units are surrounding the school to control the situation and evacuate those inside.
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