BANGKOK, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Local authorities said a mass shooting at a childcare center on Thursday in northeast Thailand's Nong Bua Lamphu province has killed at least 36 people, including 24 children.
Another 12 people were reportedly injured.
The shooting occurred at around 12:40 p.m. local time.
A local police official said the attacker, reportedly a 34-year-old former police officer, later killed his family members before taking his own life.
"About the horrifying incident, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the families of the dead and injured," Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha wrote on his Facebook account, adding that he has ordered the national police chief to "fast-track an investigation."
A woman working at the childcare center told a local TV program that they were having lunch when she heard the sound and saw the injured falling to the ground. The shooter broke the window in as the door was locked, and she succeeded in fleeing the scene.
Many locals rushed to the Nong Bua Lamphu provincial hospital in response to its urgent call for blood donation for the injured.
Produced by Xinhua Global Service
