In brief
The death of eight people and the wounding of 22 students in a Nonthaburi school attack last August prompted Bangkok police to conduct shooting drills at a local high school. Police officer Sawisak Phanthikanem and senior executive Yodchai Aronole guided the exercise, testing evacuation routes and lockdown procedures. The drill aims to minimise risk and improve response time by teaching pupils and staff what to do in an active shooter scenario. Experts note that realistic drills, combined with mental‑health support, can reduce the likelihood of future tragedies in South East Asia.
The death of eight people and the wounding of 22 students in an attack by a 14‑year‑old boy at a Nonthaburi school has spurred authorities in Bangkok to run emergency drills that involve police, teachers and students.
Police officer Sawisak Phanthikanem and senior executive Yodchai Aronole led the exercise at Ramkhamhaeng High School. The drill tested evacuation routes, lockdown procedures and incident reporting.
Officer Sawisak told a reporter that the goal is to minimise risk and expedite response time in case of an active shooter. The key is to teach both pupils and staff what to do, and to reduce confusion, the officer said.
The practice comes at a time when concerns about school shootings are rising in South East Asia, following the previous tragedy. Experts say that realistic drills, coupled with mental health support, can lower the likelihood of such incidents.
