A gunman shot and killed a kindergarten teacher on Wednesday inside a school building in eastern Thailand, where 44 children and three other teachers were evacuated unharmed, authorities reported. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. at the Nongplalai Municipal Kindergarten in Chonburi province, approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) southeast of Bangkok.
The shooter, believed to be the victim's husband, fled the scene and was being sought by police. His accommodation was surrounded by law enforcement officials.
The Chonburi provincial government confirmed that all students were safe. The provincial governor ordered the school to close and made mental health experts available to support students and staff.
This event brings renewed attention to school safety and gun violence in Thailand. In August, a 14-year-old student killed eight people at his high school and home before an apparent suicide. Earlier this month, another 14-year-old student fired shots at his school, though no one was injured.
Following these incidents, calls for tighter gun controls have grown, and the national government has initiated a review of existing firearm regulations. This review includes a suspension of new permits for firearm purchases and an examination of current licenses.
Thailand has a high rate of gun ownership relative to its Asian neighbors, despite having relatively strict gun laws. While mass shootings are infrequent, the country has experienced an increase in high-profile violent attacks in recent years.