Philippines extends condolences to victims of Thailand’s mass shooting

The Philippine Embassy in Thailand on Thursday offered its condolences to the people and the government of the Kingdom of Thailand after a mass shooting incident at a childcare center in Nongbua Lamphu province.

“We are shocked and saddened by the heartbreaking event and we are one with the Thai people in their grief as they face the painful aftermath of this tragedy,” the Embassy said in a statement.

According to a report by Agence France Presse, a former police officer shot dead at least 37 people, including 23 children, when he stormed a nursery in Thailand on Thursday.

Following the attack, gunman Panya Khamrab went home and killed his wife and child before taking his own life, police said.

Armed with a shotgun, pistol and knife, Khamrab opened fire on the childcare center in northeastern Nong Bua Lam Phu province at about 12:30 p.m. (0530 GMT).

The Department of Foreign Affairs said that no Filipino casualty has been reported from the tragedy.

.@DFAPHL, wala pang naitatalang Pilipino na nadamay sa walang habas na pamamaril sa isang child care center sa Nongbua Lamphu, Thailand na ikinasawi ng mahigit 30 tao. | via @luisitosantos03 pic.twitter.com/9TdDidEwcx

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) October 6, 2022

The Embassy earlier said it was working with Thai authorities and the Filipino community to ascertain if there were any Filipino casualties.

“The Embassy is ready to extend the necessary assistance to any affected Filipino national and their families,” it said.

“The Embassy is in close contact with the Royal Thai Police for further information. We also appeal to the public to inform the Embassy right away if they have any direct relevant information on affected Filipinos by calling the Philippine Embassy 24/7 hotline at +66-89-926-5954,” it added. — Mel Matthew Doctor/BM, GMA News