Kathmandu— Families began retrieving the bodies of victims on Saturday following a mass shooting that claimed nine lives at a school and a residence northwest of Bangkok. The rampage, which began Friday morning, involved a 14-year-old schoolboy who killed his grandparents and several school staff members before turning the weapon on himself, leaving a 12-year-old girl to die in the hospital.

Casualties and Forensic Findings

By Saturday afternoon, eight bodies—comprising five school staff members, the teenage attacker, and his two grandparents—had been collected from Bangkok’s Institute of Forensic Medicine. Emergency workers prepared a coffin for transport to the victims' hometown for funeral rites.

Wiroon Supasingsiripreecha, head of the institute, told The Associated Press that most victims suffered a single fatal gunshot wound to a vital area, such as the chest or head. He noted that the wound found on the attacker was consistent with the weapon used in the attack. Detailed forensic and toxicology results are expected to follow.

Impact on School and Community

The school has suspended all classes from August 10 to 14, instructing staff to work from home. On Saturday, the campus remained quiet, marked only by a minor police presence and mourners laying flowers at the gate.

Local residents expressed profound shock at the violence. Charin Siriananchai, a local resident, said while his young sons do not attend the school, the community is saddened by the unexpected loss. Other parents visited the site to collect belongings for children who remain in shock following the incident.

Gun Control and Legislative Response

In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul pledged to introduce new firearms control legislation. The Prime Minister, who previously tightened gun laws as interior minister, stated he would propose a law to restrict the public's ability to carry firearms.

"The new law will only allow government officials on duty to carry guns," Anutin told reporters. The incident highlights Thailand's high rate of gun ownership; according to the Small Arms Survey, there are an estimated 10.3 million firearms in civilian possession in the country, with approximately 40% of those weapons being unregistered.

Sixteen people remain hospitalized, with seven in critical condition, according to the Ministry of Public Health.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.