Nonthaburi: Doctors have raised concerns about potential imitative behaviors after the recent shooting incident at Thepsirin School. They advise parents to avoid hastily interrogating children about the traumatic event.
According to Thai News Agency, a spokesperson for the Department of Mental Health emphasized the importance of handling the situation delicately to prevent copycat behavior. Parents and close relatives are urged not to press children for information prematurely. Instead, Mental Crisis Intervention Teams (MCATT) are being deployed to support children who were at the scene.
Dr. Worat Chotpitayasunon, the spokesperson for the Department of Mental Health and the Ministry of Public Health, provided more details about the available support systems. The MCATT is ready to offer support and counseling in four distinct groups: relatives of the deceased and injured, students who witnessed the incident, parents, and members of the public who are following the news. The Ministry is focusing on prioritizing mental health support for the first two groups initially, as they are the most directly affected. During the early stages after the incident, it is crucial for everyone to have time to process the events without pressure. When children return home, it is important for parents to create a safe environment rather than seeking immediate explanations. The assurance of safety is vital, and the school is expected to implement measures to ensure this when students return.
The Ministry of Public Health is also investigating the gunman's medical history, including any psychiatric treatment he may have received. While academic research indicates that such incidents can arise from various factors, further analysis is necessary to understand the precise causes. The immediate focus remains on providing support and counseling to those affected. There is also a significant concern regarding the spread of images from the event, including those of the perpetrator, as this could potentially encourage similar behaviors. Mass shootings have occurred before in Thailand, making the current situation particularly sensitive.