Authorities have said that at least 37 people, including 22 children have been killed in a mass shooting in northeast Thailand, on Thursday.

The assailant has been identified as an ex-police officer, Panya Kamrap, 34, who had been fired earlier this year. Following the attack, in Nong Bua Lamphu, he killed his wife, child, and then himself.

Prior to the incidences, the gunman had been in court early Thursday in connection to methamphetamine charges.

Witnesses recalled seeing the man with a knife, and after entering child care center, he shot multiple teachers who were working there. Close to 30 children were at the facility when the gunman went in. It is believed that the center was targeted because it was near Kamrap’s residence. Although staff locked the doors, the man was able to shoot his way inside.

Police say that most of the children who lost their lives were stabbed to death and were primarily aged 2-5.

In Thailand, mass shootings are unusual, but more people own guns in there than any other country in the region.

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