World leaders joined Thais in mourning the victims killed by an ex-policeman in Nong Bua Lam Phu province, taking to social media and letters to share their condolences.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has written to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha that he was shocked and saddened to learn of the mass shooting that took place in Nong Bua Lam Phu on Thursday.
“This senseless act of violence took many innocent lives, most of whom were children. On behalf of the Singapore Government, I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the victims in this heart-breaking tragedy. I also wish all the injured swift recoveries.”
This heinous act deserves to be condemned in the strongest terms. Singapore stands in solidarity with Thailand during this difficult time, he said.
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus tweeted: “I’m so saddened by the loss of so many innocent lives, majority children. My thoughts are with their families and the Thai people.”
The United States embassy in Bangkok issued a statement that the embassy was saddened by the tragic event in Nong Bua Lam Phu. “We stand with the people of Thailand and offer our deepest condolences to the victims and their families.”
New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta tweeted: “We stand with the people of Thailand, the victims and their whanau [meaning extended family] at this difficult time.”
Greece’s Foreign Affairs Ministry tweeted that it was horrified and deeply saddened. “Our heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families, and to the people and Govt of Thailand over this terrible tragedy.”
Malaysian Foreign Affairs Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said Malaysians were shocked and deeply saddened to learn about the tragic loss of life and injuries following the tragedy.
“Our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families & friends who lost their loved ones and we pray for the ones receiving treatment to recover safely.”
Unicef stated that it was saddened and shocked by the tragic incident.
“Unicef condemns all forms of violence against children. No child should be a target or witness of violence anywhere, anytime…Unicef sends its heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the families who lost loved ones and the injured. We join all people in Thailand in mourning and hope that those affected receive appropriate and timely support.”