Nonthaburi: The body of "Nong Fay," the ninth victim of a mass shooting, was received by her grieving family, who have made a heartfelt plea for forgiveness. Her father expressed that he holds no blame against anyone for the tragic incident.
According to Thai News Agency, the somber scene unfolded at the Forensic Medicine Institute, Police Hospital, where the family of 12-year-old Naphat, known as "Nong Fay," claimed her body for religious ceremonies. Nong Fay, a Grade 7 student from Thepsirin Nonthaburi School, was among the victims of the devastating school shooting. An autopsy confirmed that a gunshot wound to the head was the cause of her death. As her body was transported to Wat Lat Pladuk in Nonthaburi, her mother, overwhelmed with grief, continuously clutched a picture of her daughter. The royal patronage has been granted for her funeral by His Majesty the King.
Mr. Pongthorn, Nong Fay's father, emphasized the family's intention to move forward without harboring resentment. He stated that the family forgives all involved and does not seek to blame anyone, acknowledging the unknown struggles the perpetrator may have faced. He urged for collaborative efforts to enhance security measures within schools to prevent future incidents. Mr. Pongthorn believes that while current measures exist, the unexpected nature of the tragedy necessitates a reassessment to ensure the safety of students.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Atthapol Anusit, Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 1, provided updates on the investigation, revealing that the motive behind the shooting involved family issues, academic struggles, and exposure to violent media. The firearm used belonged to the suspect's grandfather, and the BB gun found with the suspect was purchased online. The investigation underscores the need for vigilant supervision of children's behavior and secure firearm storage at home.
The parents of the suspect appeared at Plai Bang Police Station to provide additional testimony. Upon leaving, the suspect's father offered a tearful apology to the victim's family, indicating the ongoing emotional turmoil for those involved.
In response to rumors of violence and potential multiple perpetrators, the parent network of Thepsirin Nonthaburi School clarified the misunderstanding that arose from student panic. The man in black, initially thought to be another perpetrator, was identified as an undercover police officer.
The school has rebutted allegations of negligence and emphasized its commitment to student safety. They have rejected proposals to arm teachers, advocating instead for enhanced structural security measures such as weapon scanners and stricter security checks at school entrances to safeguard students.