Police identify students linked to Chiang Mai school threat

Chiang Mai police have identified students linked to online shooting threats against classmates and tightened security at schools across the province, after the messages caused alarm among parents and prompted bag checks at Montfort College on Tuesday.

The messages were posted by two male students in a school LINE group on Monday evening. They threatened an attack at 10am the following day and singled out Mathayom 6, or Grade 12, students in Rooms 9 and 10, whom the senders accused of bullying.

Some other members of the group appeared to support the posts. Screenshots of the conversation then circulated widely among school and parent groups, prompting fears of a repeat of the recent shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School.

Bag checks introduced before school activities

On Tuesday morning (August 11), Montfort College requested officers from Mae Ping Police Station to provide security outside its campus in Tha Sala subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai district.

Every student’s bag was screened before entry because the school was holding Mother’s Day activities that day.

School officials, Mae Ping police and representatives of the provincial education authorities held a meeting on campus to identify those responsible for the messages.

The male student who wrote the shooting threat had been located. At that stage, however, another male student who had posted an image of a firearm had not yet been found.

Some parents who learned of the messages went to the school to collect their children because they were concerned about their safety.

Police call in parents and examine messages

Pol Maj Gen Yutthana Kaenchan, commander of Chiang Mai Provincial Police, said investigators had identified the students linked to the messages.

Police contacted their parents and asked them to attend discussions on Tuesday as officers worked to establish the facts and determine why the messages had been posted.

The second student was reported as not yet having been located.

Security increased across Chiang Mai schools

Yutthana ordered police units throughout Chiang Mai to strengthen security and surveillance around all schools to reassure students, teachers, staff and parents.

Police urged families to rely primarily on information released by schools and the authorities. They were also asked not to forward unverified messages or spread panic, which could contribute to copycat behaviour.

Officers remained on heightened alert and continued preparations to protect educational institutions across the province.

Chiang Mai police have also worked with several schools to provide “Run, Hide, Fight” training for students and teachers, with the aim of raising awareness and helping them respond appropriately during emergencies.

Schools, companies and private organisations interested in arranging the training for students or staff can contact Chiang Mai Provincial Police or their local police station.