In a developing situation in southern Thailand, an armed gunman has allegedly opened fire and taken multiple hostages at a school in the Hat Yai district of Songkhla province today, Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
The attack occurred at Patong Prathan Khiri Wit School (also referred to as Patongprathankiriwat) near dismissal time, approximately 4:45 PM local time.
Current Status & Hostage Situation
Details from the scene indicate a high-stakes standoff between security forces and the assailant:
- Hostages: A number of students and teachers remain trapped inside the building. Reports suggest the gunman has consolidated hostages in specific rooms.
- Suspect: Authorities have identified the suspect as an 18-year-old male. His motivations are currently unknown.
- Police Response: Hat Yai police, along with Special Operations units and the “Hanuman” commando unit, have cordoned off the school and established a security perimeter.
- Evacuations: Rescue teams, including the Mae Taptim Yala Foundation, have successfully evacuated hundreds of students who fled the building during the initial gunfire.
Casualties & Injuries
While the full scale of the tragedy is still being assessed, initial reports confirm:
- School Director/Principal: Seriously injured after being shot; currently receiving emergency medical care.
- Staff: At least one teacher was shot and rushed to a nearby hospital.
- Security Guard: One guard narrowly escaped after a bullet grazed his stomach.
Local Warning
Authorities have issued an urgent warning for the public to avoid the Hat Yai district perimeter near the school to allow special forces to conduct negotiations and potential tactical entries.
“We are currently in the negotiation phase, prioritizing the safety of the children and teachers still inside,” a provincial official stated on social media.