Shooting in Phang Nga: Four schools closed as suspect on the run

Four schools in Phang Nga province were ordered to close today following a deadly shooting in Kuraburi district this morning.

Local police were alerted at about 8.20am to a shooting in the Kura sub-district, where they discovered the body of a 64-year-old man, identified as Halim Tohmad, who had been shot in the head. He was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead shortly after arrival.

The alleged shooter, later identified as 50-year-old Prapas Boonsen, also known as ‘Lon’ fled the scene on a motorcycle.

According to security camera footage from the victim's home, Prapas arrived at the victim’s house at around 7.30am, walked to the back of the victim's truck and fired three shots at him.

The victim's wife, who was holding their grandchild at the time, fled the scene with the child after hearing the gunshots. Two neighbours rushed to help.

After the shooting, Prapas is believed to have continued his spree of violence. At approximately 9.30am, authorities reported that he had fired a shot at the home of a local assistant village head, before returning home and firing six more shots into the air. He then shot at a friend’s house, but caused no injuries.

Witnesses claim that the gunman may have been mentally disturbed, as he had a reputation for being hot-tempered and was known to carry weapons.

Police discovered his motorcycle abandoned in a forested area near Khao Nuey, approximately five kilometers from the crime scene.

They also found an unregistered firearm in a nearby hut, where he had stayed in the past.

As a result of the ongoing manhunt and concerns over public safety, local authorities decided to suspend classes at the Bang Wa, Ban Triam, Ban Suan Mai and Dalis Salam schools in the district. Classes are expected to resume on Monday, provided the situation has returned to normal.

In a statement posted on social media, Bang Wa School explained the closure, citing the shooting and the ongoing threat posed by the suspect still being at large.

The school emphasised that the decision was made to ensure the safety of students, teachers and staff. Parents were advised to monitor updates via the school's official Facebook page and class communication channels.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat urged all educational institutions across the country to increase safety measures, both inside and around school premises.

She emphasised the need to be vigilant as regards behaviour that might suggest copycat incidents, following the recent tragedy at a school in Songkhla’s Hat Yai district.

She called on all schools to review their emergency plans, assess security systems, coordinate with parents and closely monitor the mental well-being of their students.