Thailand school shooting: 34 dead, including 22 children, in Songkhla hostage crisis

Thailand is in shock after 34 people, including 22 children, were killed in a school shooting in Songkhla. Authorities are negotiating with the suspect as investigations continue

PGurus Newsdesk

February 11, 2026

Authorities negotiate with teenage suspect amid hostage crisis

Gunman takes students and teachers hostage before police intervention

At least 34 people, including 22 children, were killed on Wednesday in what authorities described as Thailand’s deadliest mass shooting. The attack took place at a school in the southern province of Songkhla, according to local officials.

Provincial authorities said a gunman entered the school premises and opened fire. Several students and teachers were reportedly taken hostage during the incident. Armed police units were deployed to the scene shortly after information about the attack emerged.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as students fled onto nearby roads. However, authorities said a number of teachers and pupils remained inside the building during the initial stages of the response.

Police in the Hat Yai district confirmed they were attempting to negotiate with the suspect. Details regarding the total number of injured were still being verified at the time of reporting.

A security guard who managed to escape the school said the gunman had shot the headmaster. The guard reported sustaining minor injuries while fleeing the scene. Officials have not yet independently confirmed the full sequence of events.

According to preliminary police information, the suspect is believed to be 18 years old. Law enforcement authorities also stated that earlier reports had indicated the individual was behaving erratically and had allegedly threatened to harm his mother at a residence near the school prior to the shooting.

Authorities have urged the public to rely on verified information as investigations continue. Emergency services remain at the scene, and further updates are expected as officials work to secure the area and account for those affected.

The incident has prompted widespread shock and mourning across the country.

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