KEY POINTS

  • The suspect reportedly killed his wife and child
  • There were about 30 children at the daycare when the gunman attacked
  • The motive behind the attack remains unclear

At least 34 people, including 22 children, were killed in a mass shooting Thursday at a children's daycare center in a northeastern province of Thailand, the police said.

Casualties include both children and adults in the attack that took place in Nong Bua Lamphu province, according to a statement by the police.

There were about 30 children at the daycare when the gunman attacked.

After entering the facility, the man first shot four or five staff, including an eight-month pregnant teacher, district official Jidapa Boonsom said.

"At first people thought it was fireworks," Boonsom added.

Several videos in the aftermath of the incident were posted by people on social media.

This video might be distressing to some viewers.

Many people have been wounded, and are receiving medical treatment, the Royal Thai Police said in a statement on its Facebook page.

The suspect, 34, was an ex-police officer, who has been discharged from the service for drug-related reasons.

The police had launched a manhunt to capture the gunman, CNN reported. He was last seen driving a white-four-door Toyota pick-up truck with Bangkok registration plates.

After fleeing the spot, the attacker returned to his home and killed his wife and child before fatally shooting himself, The Guardian reported.

The motive behind the attack also remains unclear.

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Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed his condolences on the shooting incident, a statement released by his office said.

This is a developing story.

Police tape is pictured at a trash can on the street, at a crime scene after a deadly mass shooting on South Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., June 5, 2022.
Reuters / BASTIAAN SLABBERS
Thailand