Bangkok, 7 August 2026 – Save the Children extends its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, those who were injured, as well as the parents, teachers, students, and everyone affected by the violent incident at a school in Nonthaburi Province.

No child should lose their life, be injured, or grow up in fear in a place that should be a space for learning, safety, and development. Every child has the right to learn and grow in a safe environment, free from all forms of violence, as recognised under Thai law and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Incidents like this affect not only those who were directly involved, but also the mental health and sense of safety of children, teachers, parents, and the wider school community. They also affect many children who follow the news through traditional and social media. We call on all stakeholders to prioritise urgent and sustained mental health and psychosocial support by creating safe spaces where children can express their feelings, talk openly, and be listened to by trusted adults without fear of judgement or blame.

Save the Children also urges the public and the media to report responsibly by refraining from sharing images or personal information of any children involved. Media coverage should avoid including details that could contribute to copycat violence or cause unnecessary public distress. Instead, reporting should focus on verified facts, support for those affected, and lessons that can help prevent similar tragedies from happening again.

At the same time, this tragedy should prompt us to ask a difficult but necessary question: What leads a child to see violence as a solution?

Children do not grow up in isolation. Their thoughts, emotions, and behaviour are shaped by their families, schools, communities, and the wider society around them. When a child resorts to violence, we must not only ask what happened on that day, but also whether there were warning signs that adults or the systems around them may have overlooked, and whether opportunities were missed to listen, support, or intervene before violence occurred.

Asking these questions does not diminish the seriousness of the act or the accountability that follows. Rather, it acknowledges that preventing violence must begin long before a tragedy occurs by building systems that can identify risks early, listen to children's voices, and provide timely support.

Preventing incidents like this cannot rely solely on responses after the fact or on increasing security measures in schools. It requires strong Child Safeguarding systems and coordinated action across all sectors. Save the Children calls for:

• Strengthening child safeguarding systems in schools so that every child feels safe seeking help and can access timely support.

• Expanding mental health and psychosocial support services, both in everyday settings and following crises, to ensure children, teachers, and families receive ongoing care and recovery support.

• Equipping teachers, parents, and caregivers with the knowledge and skills to recognise warning signs, listen to children, and respond appropriately to those experiencing distress.

• Fostering a culture that values children's voices, where every child feels respected, confident to speak up when facing difficulties, and assured that trusted adults are ready to listen and help.

• Promoting responsible communication and reporting that respects children's rights and privacy while avoiding content that may encourage copycat violence.

Every child—whether they are affected by violence, experiencing mental health challenges, or displaying harmful behaviour—has the right to protection, support, and appropriate care. Protecting every child must go hand in hand with ensuring the safety of others and maintaining zero tolerance for violence in all its forms.

Ultimately, protecting children does not begin after violence occurs. It begins by building a society where every child feels safe, respected, and confident that there will always be adults ready to listen and help before violence becomes anyone's perceived solution.