UNICEF Thailand has expressed condolences for the victims of the shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School, stressing that schools must remain safe places for children to learn, interact and grow.
In a statement, UNICEF said the shooting, in which several people were killed and many others injured, was particularly heartbreaking.
It extended its deepest sympathies to all those affected, including teachers and children, their families and the wider school community.
UNICEF’s statement, issued on August 7, said it condemned all forms of violence, particularly violence in and around schools, adding that learning spaces should be unconditionally safe havens.
“Parents should never have to worry about dropping their children off at school, children should never feel at risk in classrooms and teachers should feel safe to do their jobs,” the organisation said.
It said the immediate priority should be ensuring that children, teachers, parents and school personnel who experienced or witnessed the violence receive the best possible physical and mental health care.
Such support should include emergency treatment as well as long-term care, UNICEF said, adding that it was ready to support authorities, schools and families in any way it could.
UNICEF also noted reports that the alleged perpetrator was a child, saying this raised particularly difficult questions for society.
As more facts emerge, it said authorities and society should assess what happened and consider measures to prevent similar incidents, including improving mental health services for children and ensuring that schools are free from all forms of violence, both emotional and physical.
The organisation also urged the public, social media users and media outlets not to post, share or forward graphic images and videos related to the shooting, particularly material involving children.
It warned that sharing such content could further traumatise victims, their loved ones and the wider school community, and stressed the need to prioritise the protection, privacy and well-being of everyone affected.
UNICEF Thailand said it joined the nation in mourning the victims and expressing its sadness over the tragedy.
