Thursday 6 October 2022 12:55 PM Thailand rampage: Anthony Albanese sends heartfelt message to Thailand after 35 ... trends now
Anthony Albanese has issued a heartfelt message on behalf of Australia to the people of Thailand, where a former policeman has killed at least 35 people in a horrific rampage.
Armed with a shotgun, a pistol and a knife, Panya Khamrap stormed a Thai nursery, where he butchered sleeping children and executed a pregnant woman before shooting dead his family.
He shot dead multiple adults including an eight-month pregnant woman, before forcing his way into a locked room decorated with animal pictures where he stabbed sleeping children as young as two to death.
The 34-year-old, who had been in court earlier today on drugs charges, arrived at the nursery and was agitated to find his child was not there and started the massacre at the kindergarten 300 miles northeast of Bangkok.
He continued the attack in nearby streets, shooting at bystanders and trying to run over panicked pedestrians as he fled in a white van which he torched at his home before killing his wife and child and turning the gun on himself.
The Australian prime minister expressed his sadness about the unfolding tragedy on Thursday night.
Two distraught women console each pother outside daycare centre in Thailand where 35 people, mostly killed have been killed
Anthony Albanese issued a statement on behalf of Australia on Thursday night
'It’s impossible to comprehend the heartbreak of this horrific news from Thailand. All Australians send their love and condolences,' Mr Albanese tweeted.
Foreign minister Penny Wong has also issued a statement.
'I am devastated to learn of reports of a shooting at a childcare centre in Nong Bua Lamphu, Thailand. Our hearts break for the families and the community. Our thoughts are with them, and the people of Thailand, during this incredibly difficult time,' Senator Wong said.
In total, 35 people have been killed along with the shooter. 24 bodies, including 19 boys, three girls and two adults were found at the nursery. A further adult and young boy were killed outside the centre in a government office.
At the shooter's house, one boy and four adults were found dead, and another adult at a nearby building was also killed. Three further adults were taken to hospital where they were pronounced dead, and 12 more are being treated for injuries.
Khamrap was fired from the force last year after failing a drugs test, and he appeared in court today prior to the shootings.
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese (pictured with partner Jodie Haydon) described the news from Thailand as incomprehensible
Panya Khamrap stormed a Thai nursery (pictured), where he butchered sleeping children and executed a pregnant woman
Panya Khamrap (pictured) shot dead his wife and son at the end of his brutal rampage in Thailand
Among the dead are at least 24 children and multiple teachers after the brutal massacre carried out by a former policeman who then took his own life
Dozens of blood-soaked bodies were scattered across the floor and in the grounds outside the nursery
In total, 35 people have been killed. 24 bodies, including 19 boys, three girls and two adults were found at the nursery
The exterior of the children's daycare centre is seen after the attack today where dozens were slaughtered
The suspect has been named by police as Panya Khamrap (pictured) who was fired from the force last year after failing a drugs test
Grieving relatives weep after hearing the news of the brutal killings which saw dozens killed in Thailand
A manhunt was launched after the massacre at the nursery but police could only arrive to find the shooter and his family already dead at his home
A grief stricken woman is comforted on the floor outside the nursery in the wake of the bloodbath
The massacre occurred in Nong Bua Lamphu, in the northeast of the Southeast Asian country
Police spokesperson Paisan Luesomboon told broadcaster ThaiPBS the gunman had been at a court hearing in connection with a drug case earlier on Thursday and had gone to the daycare centre to find his child, but the child was not there.
'He was already stressed and when he couldn't find his child he was more stressed and started shooting,' Paisan said.
A huge manhunt was launched after the
