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Gunman Storms Hat Yai School, Takes Hostages

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Picture courtesy of Khaosod

A gunman stormed Patong Prathan Khiriwat School in tambon Phatong, Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, on 11 February 2026, shooting and injuring teachers and students before taking several people hostage. The incident occurred shortly before the end of the school day, leaving an unconfirmed number of casualties. A large number of pupils remained trapped inside the school grounds as authorities moved to contain the situation.

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According to initial reports, the attacker entered the school premises armed with a firearm and opened fire inside the campus. Teachers and students were among those injured, although officials had not confirmed the exact number of wounded at this time. The suspect then detained a group of students and teachers inside a classroom building, holding them hostage.

Many other students were unable to leave the school and were sheltering in place while the situation unfolded. The motive for the attack had not been disclosed. Authorities had not yet succeeded in apprehending the suspect.

Police from Hat Yai Police Station, supported by special operations units and rescue teams, cordoned off the area around the school. Officers worked to evacuate individuals from secure zones within the campus while establishing a perimeter to prevent further risk. Officials from the local administration and other relevant agencies were called in to assist with negotiations with the gunman.

Emergency responders remained on standby as negotiations continued. The number of hostages and the condition of those injured had not been officially detailed. The situation was ongoing, with security forces focused on resolving the crisis safely.

Khoasod reported that authorities urged the public to avoid the area while operations were under way. Further updates were expected as police continued efforts to regain full control of the school and secure the release of those held inside.

Key Takeaways

• A gunman opened fire at Patong Prathan Khiriwat School in Hat Yai on 11 February 2026, injuring teachers and students.

• The suspect took several teachers and pupils hostage inside a classroom building, with many students trapped on campus.

• Police, special operations units and rescue teams have surrounded the school and are negotiating to resolve the situation.

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image.png Adapted by ASEAN Now · Khaosod · 11 Feb 2026

  • Author

UPDATE

18-Year-Old Gunman Holds Large Number of Pupils Hostage

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Picture courtesy of Khaosod

An 18-year-old gunman stormed Patong Prathan Khiriwat School in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, on 11 February 2026, shooting and injuring the school director and taking a large number of students hostage. The director has since been rescued and taken to hospital, while the suspect continues to hold pupils inside the school. The situation remains ongoing as police negotiate at the scene.

According to reports, the suspect seized a firearm from a police officer before riding a motorcycle to the school. He approached the security post and raised the weapon at the security guard, firing at least twice. The guard managed to flee unharmed.

The security guard later recounted that he initially heard a gunshot and turned to look before a second shot was fired, which did not hit him. He said the suspect, described as a teenager, asked a student at the post where the school director was. The attacker then forced a student to lead him to the director’s location.

The guard stated that the suspect appeared “like a madman” and in a frenzied state. He said the gunman pointed the weapon at his stomach and pulled the trigger, but the gun shifted and the shot did not strike him. The student who led the suspect to the director was reportedly too shocked to flee and was taken along.

The gunman subsequently shot the school director twice, causing injuries. He then detained a large number of students as hostages inside the school building. Earlier reports indicated that teachers and students were also injured, although the exact number remains unconfirmed.

Police have sealed off the area and deployed forces, including special operations units and rescue teams, to control the situation. Authorities confirmed that officers were able to extract the injured director and transport him to hospital for treatment.

Khoasod reported that the suspect has not released the hostages and has reportedly continued firing shots intermittently. Officials are continuing negotiations in an effort to secure the safe release of those being held. Further updates are expected as the operation progresses.

Key Takeaways

• An 18-year-old male seized a police firearm and stormed Patong Prathan Khiriwat School on 11 February 2026.

• He shot the school director twice, injuring him, and is holding a large number students hostage.

• Police have rescued the director and are negotiating while the suspect continues to fire intermittently.

image.png Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod · 11 Feb 2026

  • Author

UPDATE

Hat Yai School Gunman Surrenders

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Pictures courtesy of Amarin

The gunman who stormed Patong Prathan Khiriwat School in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, on 11 February 2026 has surrendered to police. The incident began at approximately 16.45 and triggered a major emergency response.

Initial reports said the suspect attempted a mass shooting inside the school, with a large number of students trapped on the premises and teachers and pupils taken hostage. Police and relevant agencies moved swiftly to control the situation, while some students were gradually released.

A female Mathayom 3 student who was freed described the tense moments inside the school. She said the gunman held hostages, including the female school director and students, and confirmed that the director had been shot and taken to hospital.

The student stated that the attacker only targeted the director and did not shoot any students. She said he entered the classroom where she was studying and later released hostages one or two at a time, with her being freed alongside a teacher.

According to her account, the suspect was carrying a long firearm with approximately 16–17 rounds. He reportedly announced that if a teacher did not come within 30 minutes, he would shoot individuals, prompting the director to go to him first.

The student described the attacker as a male aged around 16–17 and a former pupil of the school. Earlier reports had indicated the suspect was about 18 years old.

Amarin reported that by early evening, authorities confirmed that the gunman had surrendered. However, the female director who had been shot succumbed to her injuries at hospital. Police have not yet released further details regarding charges or the circumstances leading to the surrender. Investigations are continuing.

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Key Takeaways

• The gunman who attacked Patong Prathan Khiriwat School on 11 February 2026 has surrendered to police.

• The female school director who was shot during the incident has died in hospital.

• Students had been gradually released and investigations into the attack are ongoing.

image.png Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 11 Feb 2026

  • Popular Post

Kudos and RIP to the female school director who stepped up to the plate. Hero

  • Author
  • Popular Post

UPDATE

Update Correction - School Principal is Still Alive

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Picture courtesy of Khaosod

Earlier reports that the school director had died, have been updated and corrected in the Thai media. The hospital released a statement that she required urgent surgery and remains in a critical condition.

The principal, who was shot in the chest and torso, underwent surgery at Hat Yai Hospital and is now under close supervision in the ICU.

Thainewsroom reported that a 14-year-old student was also shot in the abdomen and also underwent surgery at Songkhla Nakarin Hospital while a second student injured her ankle after jumping from a height and was treated and released.

image.png Adapted by ASEAN Now Thainewsroom 12 Feb 2026

13 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The female school director who was shot during the incident has died in hospital.

RIP poor lady.

  • Author

UPDATE

Hat Yai School Director Dies From Severe Injuries

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Picture courtesy of Amarin

The director of Patong Prathan Khiriwat School in Hat Yai has died from severe internal injuries sustained during Wednesday’s shooting. Hospital officials confirmed that Mrs Sasiphat Sinsamosorn succumbed to her wounds on 12 February 2026. She had been critically injured after being shot during the hostage incident at the school.

The attack occurred on 11 February when a young male seized a firearm and entered the school in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province. He shot Mrs Sasiphat, leaving her seriously wounded, and also injured a 14-year-old female student. The suspect took teachers and students hostage before police surrounded the area and pressured him into surrendering.

According to Ms. Darawan Chaisuwan, deputy director of Rattaphum Wittaya School and a former colleague, the gunman had initially taken a female student hostage. Mrs. Sasipatchara negotiated with him and asked to take the student’s place. “In that moment, with the spirit of a teacher, she stepped forward to protect her student,” Ms. Darawan said.

Mrs. Sasipatchara was shot shortly after volunteering to replace the student. Online users across Thailand have since described her as a selfless educator who sacrificed her life to protect her pupils. She held a Master of Education degree in educational administration and had dedicated her career to advancing education. Mrs. Sasipatchara had served as director of Patong Prathan Khiriwat School since 2020.

Dr Wiroj Yommuang, director of Hat Yai Hospital, confirmed the cause of death. He said Mrs Sasiphat died due to massive blood loss and a failure of blood clotting caused by severe internal organ damage.

She had sustained a gunshot wound to the left side of her chest. The bullet penetrated from left to right and from top to bottom, causing extensive internal injuries. Doctors made every effort to save her life, but she could not be revived. During Wednesday evening there had been earlier conflicting reports of her death, which is now officially confirmed.

Amarin reported that the condition of the injured 14-year-old student has not been detailed in this update. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the events leading up to the suspect’s surrender.

Key Takeaways

• Mrs Sasiphat Sinsamosorn died on 12 February 2026 from severe internal injuries after being shot at her school.

• Doctors said she suffered massive blood loss and organ damage from a bullet wound to the left chest.

• The suspect had surrendered after taking teachers and students hostage.

image.png Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 12 Feb 2026

^^^ Thinking along those lines.

What a little scumbag. I’m a hang em high type I’m afraid. Just wish these aggrieved, messed up individuals would train a gun on themselves as opposed to taking issue on others, esp kids.

9 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Earlier reports that the school director had died, have been updated and corrected in the Thai media. The hospital released a statement that she required urgent surgery and remains in a critical condition.

Hope she fully recovers quickly! The students who were injured too.

Not to Monday morning quarterback, but shouldnt rifles in police cars be in locking racks or otherwise secured?

  • Author

UPDATE

Eight Charges Filed Over Hat Yai School Attack

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Picture courtesy of Khaosod

Police have formally charged the 18-year-old suspect who carried out the deadly shooting at Patong Prathan Khiriwat School in Hat Yai, Songkhla province. The attack resulted in the death of school director Mrs Sasiphat Sinsamosorn and injuries to several others. Authorities confirmed there are eight victims in the case.

The suspect, identified as Mr Khem, aged 18, allegedly seized a firearm from police before carrying out the attack. The incident began at a hut in a rubber plantation in Moo 9, Ban Phru subdistrict and continued to the school in Moo 2, Phatong subdistrict, Hat Yai district, on 11 February 2026.

On 12 February 2026, Thung Lung Police Station submitted an urgent report on the serious and shocking case to the Prime Minister, the National Police Chief and relevant senior officers. Police confirmed that Mr Khem faces multiple charges.

The charges include murder, attempted murder, attempted murder of an official, unlawful detention, resisting arrest, robbery and criminal damage.

Mrs Sasiphat Sinsamosorn, the school director, was shot and initially reported in serious condition before later dying from her injuries. A 14-year-old female student, identified as Ms A, was shot and injured.

Ms B was injured after jumping from the second floor of a school building. Two girls, identified as C and D, fainted due to shock, while another girl, F, sustained an ankle injury.

Two police officers from Thung Lung Police Station were also listed among the victims: Pol Lt Phiphit, Deputy Inspector (Prevention and Suppression), and Pol Snr Sgt Maj Anisong. The suspect himself suffered shrapnel wounds to his right temple.

Khoasod reported that property damage included a Toyota pickup truck bearing Songkhla registration plates and broken glass at a school building. Police said the investigations remain ongoing as authorities proceed with legal action.

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Key Takeaways

• An 18-year-old suspect has been charged with murder and multiple other offences over the Hat Yai school attack.

• Eight victims were identified, including the late school director and several students and police officers.

• Police reported the serious case to national leaders as investigations continue.

image.png Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 12 Feb 2026

One more reason to stringently ban all guns in Thailand, with effective prosecution.

This includes registered guns which exist to no purpose.

Only lawmen should have guns.

Copycat the USA. Good work!

9 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

One more reason to stringently ban all guns in Thailand, with effective prosecution.

This includes registered guns which exist to no purpose.

Only lawmen should have guns.

Copycat the USA. Good work!

Banning all guns will leave thousands in the hands of criminals, which doesn't work anywhere. A former police sergeant with a gun, and knife, went to a school in Thailand in Non Bua Lamphu and killed 37. one a of a few school and mall shootings involving officials. Seems like people are being copycats after seeing what's done in the west, which isn't a good thing.

2 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

Banning all guns will leave thousands in the hands of criminals, which doesn't work anywhere. A former police sergeant with a gun, and knife, went to a school in Thailand in Non Bua Lamphu and killed 37. one a of a few school and mall shootings involving officials. Seems like people are being copycats after seeing what's done in the west, which isn't a good thing.

I get that. But criminals/gangs really only shoot each other to get rid of the competition or avenge bad debts. Let them have at it.

Responsible citizens don't need guns, for self-defence or any other purpose. People with guns kill people. Siam Paragon shooter...

4 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

I get that. But criminals/gangs really only shoot each other to get rid of the competition or avenge bad debts. Let them have at it.

Responsible citizens don't need guns, for self-defence or any other purpose. People with guns kill people. Siam Paragon shooter...

Yes, most gun violence is gang related and suicides. I'm a hunter, like millions of others, and I also believe in having a handgun to defend yourself and family because the criminals don't play by the rules, and if it's going to be them or you, it's going to be them. People with guns have saved thousands of lives. Irresponsible gun owners do exist, and training is definitely necessary before you buy a gun for self defense.

1 hour ago, unblocktheplanet said:

One more reason to stringently ban all guns in Thailand, with effective prosecution.

This includes registered guns which exist to no purpose.

Only lawmen should have guns.

Copycat the USA. Good work!

In this case it is reported that the gun was taken from a police officer.

UPDATE:

Teacher in Songkhla Shooting Denies Mistreatment Allegations

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Photo via Facebook/ Pr.Songkhla ประชาสัมพันธ์จังหวัดสงขลา

A male teacher has denied allegations of mistreating the sister of an 18-year-old gunman following a deadly shooting incident at Phatongprathan Kiriwat School in Hat Yai, Songkhla, on February 11. The attacker, identified as Khemmanan, also known as Khem, entered the school, held hostages, and opened fire, resulting in the principal's death and injuring two students, who are now stable. The police successfully persuaded the suspect to surrender after surrounding the school.

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Khem reportedly searched for a teacher named Jay, threatening further violence, alleging the teacher had an issue with his sister. Online rumors suggested that the teacher harshly punished the girl, but Jay, also known as Teacher Teekawin, refuted these claims. He explained his attempts to support the girl's education, noting her poor attendance and arranging to meet her father for solutions.

The suspect's dissatisfaction with Jay's intervention, potential misunderstandings, and mental health issues may have fueled his actions. Teacher Jay expressed that false online narratives impacted his personal and professional life, but he remains dedicated to his role, extending gratitude to those who showed support.

Khem reportedly left a psychiatric hospital last year, with his mental health condition linked to drug use. The school will be closed for two days as investigations continue, and the Ministry of Education plans to review school security with related departments. The suspect is currently in custody, undergoing treatment at a psychiatric facility, while the police have yet to determine the legal proceedings, reported The Thaiger.

Key Takeaways

  • The event resulted in the death of the principal and injuries to two students.

  • Teacher Jay denies punishing the gunman's sister, attributing the incident to misunderstandings.

  • The school is temporarily closed as authorities investigate and plan security measures.

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image.png  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 13 Feb 2026

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