World Offers Condolences to Thailand After Heinous Nursery Massacre

Rabat – Condolences to Thailand have poured in from across the world Thursday’s massacre, during which an ex-policeman murdered at least 38 people, mostly children.

On October 6, a former police officer attacked a daycare center in northeast Thailand and shot most of the staff before stabbing the children. Out of the 24 children present at the daycare that day, only one survived.

Heavy rains and school breaks may have saved lives as they meant reduced attendance at the nursery, as employees said it usually has up to 70 children.

Eyewitnesses say he came in looking for his stepson, and started his attack once he did not see him at the nursery.

Messages of condolences and support have poured in from different governments on Friday morning as the news spread around the world.

“Our hearts are with the people of Thailand, and we extend our deepest condolences to those who lost their loved ones,” US State Secretary Antony Blinken said on Twitter.

“The images are heartbreaking and our deepest condolences go out to the families who lost loved ones,” US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said. “We condemn this act of violence and stand ready to assist our long-standing ally Thailand in whatever they need.”

Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed “deepest condolences to Thailand’s government over the rampage,” expressing support and solidarity with the country.

Kuwait shared the same sentiment, condemning the horrendous shooting. The Emir of Qatar similarly sent condolences to Thailand’s government, condemning the shooting and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

Police identified the former cop involved in the massacre as Pol Corporal Panya, who was fired from his job in June because of a drug charge, but said the motive for the crime remains unclear.

He was due to face a court hearing for his alleged involvement in the sale of methamphetamine.

Following the attack, the culprit went back home where he killed his wife and child before turning the gun on himself and taking his own life.

Described as the deadliest committed by a lone wolf in the country’s history, the massacre has caused the entirety of Thailand to go into mourning. Family members dressed in all black laid white roses at the nursery’s door while military members laid a wreath outside.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said he instructed the national police chief to “quickly enforce the law,” offering condolences to the victims’ families.

Despite a relatively high number of firearms for its population, mass shootings are a rare occurrence in the country.