Authorities in Thailand’s Pathum Thani province have ordered the emergency closure of 40 schools following an ongoing manhunt for an armed suspect accused of threatening children during a reported psychotic episode.
The incident has caused alarm among parents and residents in the Lat Lum Kaeo district, where police are continuing efforts to locate the suspect, identified as Mr. Noparat, also known as “L”.
According to Thai media reports, the man allegedly brandished a firearm and made threats involving children in the area, prompting urgent security measures and widespread school closures as a precaution.
Senior officers from the Pathum Thani Provincial Police reportedly convened an emergency meeting at Lat Lum Kaeo Police Station to coordinate efforts to track down and arrest the suspect as quickly as possible.
Police officials involved in the operation included senior investigators and district police commanders overseeing the case.
Reward Offered As Police Intensify Manhunt
Authorities warned residents to remain vigilant while the suspect remains at large.
Pol. Gen. Kamronwit Thoopkrachang, president of the Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organisation, reportedly stated that police are actively pursuing the suspect and urged the public to exercise caution.
He added that family members should coordinate with authorities if there are attempts to persuade the suspect to surrender peacefully.
Officials also announced a reward of 50,000 Thai baht, approximately S$1,950, for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.
Reports from local media further claimed that investigators had detected possible movements linked to the suspect in both Bang Pa-in and Lat Lum Kaeo districts.
In a separate development, Thai news outlets also reported allegations that the suspect had previously fired shots at an ambulance before fleeing the area.
Footage circulating online allegedly showed a hostage situation involving the suspect’s father-in-law, who reportedly jumped from a moving vehicle to escape.
Emergency School Closures Affect Thousands Of Students
Initially, 17 schools announced temporary closures, but the number later increased to 40 educational institutions across the district.
The closures affected a wide range of schools, including kindergartens, religious schools, child development centres, and community schools.
Some of the affected institutions reportedly included Sarasas Witaed Bang Bua Thong School, Mary Wittaya School, Duangjai Kindergarten, Wat Thai Noi Community School, and several schools linked to local temples and municipalities.
Authorities have not confirmed how long the closures will remain in effect, though safety concerns remain high as the search operation continues.
The incident has sparked discussions online regarding mental health support, firearm access, and emergency preparedness in schools across Thailand. Parents in affected districts have reportedly been urged to monitor official announcements closely and avoid unnecessary travel near active police operations.
The case has also drawn significant public attention due to the scale of the closures and the fears surrounding potential violence involving children and schools.
Police investigations are ongoing.