Thai School Attack Leaves Principal Dead, Students Hurt

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Bangkok: The principal of a school in southern Thailand has died after being shot during a violent siege at the Patong Prathankiriwat School in Hat Yai district, authorities confirmed early Thursday. The incident began on Wednesday afternoon when a gunman entered the campus and opened fire, in what officials described as a brief hostage standoff.

The victim, identified as Sasiphat Sinsamosorn, was rushed to a hospital in Hat Yai following the shooting. Despite undergoing surgery, she succumbed to her injuries before dawn on Thursday, local police said.

Police say the attacker, an 18-year-old male, used a firearm believed to have been stolen from a police officer earlier in the day. The assailant briefly held students and staff inside the school during the two-hour crisis before officers were able to arrest him; he was also wounded in the confrontation.

In addition to the principal, at least one student was shot and another injured while trying to flee during the chaos, authorities reported. The student who was wounded by gunfire is said to be in stable condition, and another student hurt themselves jumping from a building.

The motive for the attack remains under investigation, though some local outlets noted the suspect may have had a dispute involving a teacher at the school. Officials have not yet released detailed information on charges or the suspect’s background.

The school’s Facebook page and community members expressed deep condolences, praising the principal for her dedication and service. “Although we have lost her, the goodness she left behind will remain in our hearts,” the message read.