Thai Father Arrested After Firing Two Shots at Primary School Over Child’s Learning Progress
Thai Father Arrested After Firing Two Shots at Primary School Over Child’s Learning Progress
BANGKOK, November 4, 2026 — A 54-year-old father has been arrested after allegedly firing two shots into the air at a primary school in Nakhon Ratchasima province, reportedly because he was frustrated that his child could not read or perform basic addition.
The incident occurred at Ban Na Di School in Kut Noi subdistrict, Sikhiu district, on Monday afternoon, November 2, 2026. Police confirmed that nobody was injured and no property was damaged.
The suspect, identified as Manachai Chanthasom, was detained shortly after leaving the school in his pickup truck.
Argument with teacher escalates into gunfire
Sikhiu police received a report at approximately 3:20pm that an intoxicated parent was causing a disturbance at the school.
According to Pol Col Thatchaphon Chinnawong, superintendent of Sikhiu Police Station, the suspect’s child was enrolled at the school.
Investigators were told that Manachai had arrived to collect his child before becoming involved in an argument with a teacher.
He was reportedly unhappy with the child’s learning progress, particularly the inability to read and perform basic arithmetic.
Police said the man appeared intoxicated and lost his temper before firing two shots into the air on the school grounds.
He subsequently drove away in his pickup truck.
Officers pursued him and eventually arrested him in a public area within the village. Police also seized a handgun believed to have been used in the incident.
Suspect faces multiple firearm and driving charges
Manachai faces charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, carrying a firearm in public without reasonable cause, and driving while intoxicated.
He was taken into police custody for further legal proceedings.
Concerns over safety at rural schools
Reporters visiting Ban Na Di School on Tuesday found the atmosphere quiet following the incident.
The small primary school has approximately 30 pupils and seven teachers and operates under Primary Educational Service Area Office 4.
Located outside the main community and surrounded largely by forest, the school is situated in an area where nearby roads experience relatively little traffic.
Many local residents leave home early to work in agriculture, leaving the school relatively isolated from nearby communities.
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of rural schools, particularly those located far from residential areas and busy public roads.
