Bangkok: A gunman attacked a childcare centre in northeastern Thailand, killing at least 34 people, including 22 children, in one of the deadliest mass killings in the country’s history, authorities said.

The incident took place in Nong Bua Lamphu province, where a former police officer forced his way into the daycare facility and opened fire before fleeing the scene.

Police later identified the attacker as a dismissed officer who had reportedly been removed from service over drug-related allegations.

What Happened

Officials said the attacker entered the centre during the day while children were present and carried out the assault. Emergency responders rushed victims to nearby hospitals, while families gathered outside in panic awaiting updates.

After leaving the daycare, the suspect returned home, where he killed his wife and child before taking his own life, police confirmed.

Government Reaction

Thailand’s Prime Minister expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and ordered agencies to provide urgent support to affected families.

“This is a shocking incident that has caused immense grief across the country,” the Prime Minister said, offering condolences to the victims’ relatives.

Authorities described the attack as a heartbreaking event that has shaken communities nationwide.

Rare but Devastating

While Thailand has relatively high firearm ownership compared with some regional countries, mass casualty attacks of this scale are uncommon, making the tragedy particularly distressing for the nation.

Source: Reuters / BBC / Al Jazeera (via verified international news reports).