BANGKOK, Oct 8 (NNN-TNA) – Thailand yesterday mourned victims of the mass shooting at a childcare centre in north-eastern Nong Bua Lamphu province, which has led to at least 37 deaths, most of them children.
Yesterday morning, grief-stricken families laid white flowers on the steps of the centre, the scene of the shooting rampage by a sacked police officer.
Thai Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, visited the childcare centre, and Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida went to hospitals later in the day, where seven of the 10 injured people remain.
“The government and I are very sorry, and so are the people of Thailand,” Prayut told relatives of the victims, after laying flowers at the centre.
Students, teachers and government officials in some provinces, also mourned the victims of Thursday’s incident, while flags of government organisations across the country were flying at half-mast.
Police identified the attacker as Panya Kamrap, 34, a former police officer, who was dismissed from his post in June, over drug allegations. He was supposed to face trial on drugs charge in court yesterday, national police chief, Damrongsak Kittipraphat, told a press conference.
In response to questions about the attacker’s mental state, when he went into the centre, Damrongsak said, the autopsy result showed no drug usage, during the past 72 hours.
“We are double-checking the result, as the attacker has been involved in drug abuse before,” Damrongsak told reporters.
Yesterday, government spokesperson lowered the death toll number to 37, from the count of 38 released by police Thursday, with both numbers, including the attacker and his family members, who were found dead at his home.
Acting government spokesperson, Anucha Burapachaisri, said, the government provided assistance to the wounded and families of the deceased, totaling 13.19 million baht.
Seven of the 10 injured people remained hospitalised, including six critically injured, the Nong Bua Lamphu provincial hospital said, on the social media platform of Facebook.
All the injured people have shown a good sign of recovery, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, Anutin Charnvirakul, told reporters.
After the incident, the government vowed to strengthen anti-drugs efforts and gun ownership regulation.
At an emergency meeting held yesterday, Suthipong Chulacharoen, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Interior, urged intensified efforts to implement the country’s anti-drugs policies and better review the qualifications for possessing and using firearms.– NNN-TNA
