Three injured in Thailand school shooting; 18-year-old gunman arrested, hostages freed

At least three people were injured after a gunman opened fire at a school in southern Thailand on Wednesday, triggering panic and a major security response. The 18-year-old suspect was shot at and arrested, and all hostages taken during the incident were safely freed, officials confirmed.

The shooting took place at Phatong Prathan Khiriwat School in Hat Yai district of Songkhla province. According to authorities, two to three gunshots were heard shortly after the suspect entered the campus in what was described as an agitated state while carrying a firearm. He then took several students and teachers hostage inside the premises.

Police personnel rushed to the scene and confronted the accused. Officials said the suspect was shot at before being taken into custody. A senior police officer confirmed that the perpetrator had been captured and the situation brought under control.

Three people sustained injuries in the incident, including a woman and a 14-year-old girl who suffered gunshot wounds and were hospitalised. Another child reportedly sustained an ankle injury after falling from a height while trying to escape the chaos.

Several videos circulating on social media showed students and others fleeing the area and taking shelter as the incident unfolded. Authorities have not disclosed the motive behind the attack and further investigation is underway.