Thai school shooter learnt how to use guns via social media
A 14-year-old student in Thailand killed eight people before taking his own life, with police reporting he learned to use firearms via social media. Authorities are investigating the role of violent online content and personal stressors in the tragedy.
Why it matters
The incident has prompted the Thai government to reconsider national gun laws and sparked a debate on the influence of social media on youth violence.
Image source, Anadolu via Getty Images Image caption, Police are still investigating the motive behind the country's deadliest shooting in years
A teenager who opened fire at his home and school in Thailand, killing eight people and himself, had taught himself how to use a gun via social media, police have said.
The boy's consumption of violent social media content, anxiety over his studies and family issues, and conflict with friends might have also fuelled his actions, authorities said.
Senior police official Atthapol Anusit told reporters on Sunday that they have questioned 17 witnesses so far while investigating the 14-year-old's motive.
Thailand's leader has vowed to introduce new gun laws as the country reels from its deadliest shooting in years.
Eight people have died after the shooting in Thailand's Nonthaburi province, which borders Bangkok.
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