Thailand shooting: Seven killed as teen opens fire at home and school near Bangkok

The Debsirin School, founded in Bangkok in 1885, is one of Thailand’s top secondary schools with branches across the country. It counts many prominent Thai figures as its alumni, from diplomats and athletes to several prime ministers.

A female seventh grader, still in school uniform, told the BBC she was standing in front of her teacher when the woman was shot.

“She was talking to me when [the gunman] showed up and shot her,” she said.

“I couldn’t see anything but a [cloud] of dust.”

Still in her uniform, with her mother by her side, she explained how the shooter stalked from room to room.

“I had to climb over the school fence to escape with other friends.”

Her mother says the girl thought she might die. “[She said] ‘I thought I’d never see you again’.”

Another student told Reuters news agency that he had thought the sound of gunshots were firecrackers going off.

“There were many shots: bang bang bang. Then it went quiet. Then it started again.”

Students and school staff were seen fleeing from the scene, and those waiting outside the Debsirin School looked visibly distraught.

Authorities warned people to stay away from the area and for those trapped in the building to hide and wait for rescuers.