The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has released a statement, condemning the mass shooting in Thailand’s Nong Bua Lam Phu province earlier today (Thursday), in which 37 people, mostly young children, were killed.
UNICEF stated that they are “saddened” and “shocked” by the attack and that it condemns all forms of violence against children.
“No child should be a target of or witness to violence anywhere, anytime,” the statement reads. “Early childhood development centres, schools and all learning spaces must be safe havens for young children to learn, play and grow during their most critical years.”
UNICEF also offered their condolences to the victims’ families and urged the public and the media to refrain from sharing photos related to the attack, out of respect for the families’ grief.
Many Thais took to social media, using the Thai hashtag “Mass Shooting in Nong Bua Lam Phu”, to condemn the attack and to offer their condolences to the victims’ families.
A number of world leaders have also expressed shock over the attack.
UK Prime Minister Liz Truss tweeted “I am shocked to hear of the horrific events in Thailand this morning. My thoughts are with all those affected and the first responders. The UK stands with the Thai people at this terrible time.”
I am shocked to hear of the horrific events in Thailand this morning. My thoughts are with all those affected and the first responders. The UK stands with the Thai people at this terrible time. https://t.co/c5MTGBuHw2
— Liz Truss (@trussliz) October 6, 2022
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tweeted “It’s impossible to comprehend the heartbreak of this horrific news from Thailand. All Australians send their love and condolences.”
It’s impossible to comprehend the heartbreak of this horrific news from Thailand. All Australians send their love and condolences.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) October 6, 2022
Meanwhile, Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Tanee Sangrat, tweeted “My deep condolences to the families of the young victims of the shooting in Nong Bua Lam Phu province, north-eastern Thailand. Such an unusual and saddening incident in our country.”
My deep condolences to the families of young victims of the shooting in Nongbualumpoo province, northeastern Thailand, such an unusual and saddened incident in our country. TT
— Tanee Sangrat (@SangratTanee) October 6, 2022
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt posted a message on his Facebook and Twitter, which translates as “Losing your children is the harshest tragedy for all parents. I would like to offer my condolences to all families of the victims and I would like to encourage every one of us in getting through this horrific tragedy”.
การสูญเสียลูกคือโศกนาฎกรรมที่รุนแรงที่สุดของพ่อแม่ ผมขอแสดงความเสียใจกับครอบครัวผู้สูญเสียและผู้ได้รับบาดเจ็บทุกคน และขอเป็นกำลังใจให้พวกเราทุกคนผ่านพ้นช่วงเวลาที่หดหู่โหดร้ายนี้ไปได้ครับ #กราดยิงหนองบัวลําภู
— ชัชชาติ สิทธิพันธุ์ (@chadchart_trip) October 6, 2022
Earlier today, a gunman opened fire at a nursery and fired randomly at passers-by as he fled the scene. The gunman latercommitted suicide in his home, after murdering his wife and son. Pol Maj Gen Paisal Luesomboon, deputy commander of Region 4 Police, told Thai PBS in a phone interview that the gunman was apparently under the influence of drugs.
