A police officer accused of fatally shooting his wife at the kindergarten where she worked as a teacher in eastern Thailand surrendered to authorities Thursday after an 18-hour standoff, officials said.

Tatsapong Tongthat, an officer with the Bang Lamung police station in Chonburi province, allegedly shot his wife late Wednesday morning inside a building at Nongplalai Municipal Kindergarten. The school is located about 150 kilometers (93 miles) southeast of Bangkok, according to the provincial government.

After the shooting, Tongthat reportedly fled to his home. Police surrounded the residence, where he remained during the overnight standoff before surrendering to authorities approximately 18 hours later.

All 44 students at the kindergarten were unharmed and evacuated from the school along with other teachers following the shooting. Officials suspended classes until Friday as a precaution while authorities assessed the situation.

The incident comes as concerns over gun violence and school safety remain under scrutiny in Thailand.

On August 7, a 14-year-old opened fire at his high school and family home, killing eight people and injuring more than 20 others before apparently taking his own life.

In another incident, a 14-year-old student was arrested on September 2 after firing several shots at his school in Kamphaeng Phet province, about 200 kilometers (120 miles) north of Bangkok. No one was injured in that incident.

The recent shootings have intensified calls for tighter firearm controls in Thailand. The national government has ordered a review of gun regulations, including a suspension of new firearm purchase permits and a review of existing permits.

Authorities continue to investigate the kindergarten shooting and the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack.

SOURCE: Associated Press (AP), September 10, 2026.