By The South Asia Times

BANGKOK -  An 18‑year‑old gunman opened fire at Prathan Khiriwat School in the southern Thai city of Hat Yai on Wednesday afternoon, injuring at least two people and taking a female school staff member hostage, authorities said.

 

The shooting erupted at around 4:45 p.m. local time on Thetsaban 31 Road in the Patong subdistrict. Initial reports suggested several casualties, though police have confirmed at least two serious injuries, including the school director and one student, according to Thai Enquirer.

Police identified the suspect as Khem, 18, and said officers were initially responding to reports of violent behavior at a nearby house where Khem was allegedly attempting to harm his mother.

During the police response, the suspect reportedly seized an M4 rifle from officers and fled onto the school grounds, where he began shooting.

 

Witnesses described chaotic scenes as students and staff scrambled for cover. Some said the gunman appeared to be targeting a teacher who had disciplined his younger sister, a student at the school, and had threatened violence if he did not see the teacher.

 

After the shooting, Khem entered a school building and took a female staff member hostage. Police from Hat Yai and nearby Thung Lung stations have cordoned off the area and special operations units are on site. Negotiators are attempting to resolve the situation peacefully.

 

Authorities have urged residents and onlookers to stay away from the school while the standoff continues. Emergency medical teams have been dispatched to support the injured and assist with evacuations.

 

The incident has shocked communities in southern Thailand and raised questions over school security and access to weapons among youths. Further updates are expected as the situation unfolds.