SAN RAFAEL, Philippines (AP) — A recent school shooting in Thailand could increase calls for educational institutions across Asia to conduct more active shooter and emergency response drills as governments seek ways to address gun violence.

The latest incident occurred Wednesday in Thailand’s Kamphaeng Phet province, about 200 kilometers north of Bangkok. According to Thai media reports cited by The Associated Press, a 14-year-old student fired several shots at his school but was subdued before anyone was injured.

The incident came as schools in the Philippines were conducting a nationwide safety exercise. On Thursday, students in San Rafael participated in the Nationwide Simultaneous School Safety Drill, part of the Department of Education’s efforts to improve preparedness for emergencies and threats.

Philippine Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said schools and communities must prepare for different types of emergencies, including those caused by people and by severe weather.

The recent shootings have raised concerns in both Thailand and the Philippines. On Aug. 7, a 14-year-old student opened fire at his high school and family home in Nonthaburi province, killing eight people and injuring more than 20 before taking his own life.

In the Philippines, a 14-year-old student carrying two pistols shot and killed a fellow student at a high school campus in the southern part of the country on Aug. 18 before dying by suicide.

Another shooting occurred in the central Philippines in June, when two students armed with handguns opened fire at a high school. Three students were killed and at least 20 others were wounded. Authorities arrested two suspects, aged 14 and 15, according to the report.

The safety drill in San Rafael brought together education officials, local government representatives and emergency response agencies. The exercise was designed to test how schools and authorities would respond to different threats.

Philippine Education Undersecretary Malcolm Garma said the drills were intended to help students and school personnel recognize potential threats, understand where to go and learn how emergency responders would carry out their roles.

The exercise included a 30-minute full-scale lockdown followed by a review involving representatives from the Office of Civil Defense, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Bureau of Fire Protection, local disaster response officials and the Philippine National Police.

Thailand has also been conducting school safety exercises. Last month, schools practiced emergency procedures following the deadly shooting in Nonthaburi province.

Footage broadcast by Thai PBS showed first responders at Sarawittaya School in Bangkok teaching students how to respond during a shooting. Students were shown stacking desks and chairs against classroom doors as part of the exercise.

The developments highlight growing attention to emergency preparedness at schools in Southeast Asia, particularly as authorities respond to a series of deadly or attempted school shootings involving young students.

SOURCE: Associated Press (AP), September 4, 2026.