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Thailand nursery shooting: What we know

An ex-policeman has killed at least 37 people, most of them children, in a gun and knife attack.

Thailand has been rocked by a mass killing at a childcare centre. A former policeman walked into the nursery in Nong Bua Lamphu province, armed with a gun and a knife when many were having an afternoon nap. At least 37 people - children and their teachers, were killed.

The assailant then returned to his home, killing his wife and young son before turning the gun on himself. Police named the attacker as Panya Kamrab. The former officer, aged 34, was sacked from the force in June for drug use. The morning of the attack he appeared in court on charges related to the use and possible sale of methamphetamine.

Thai journalist, Janine Phakdeetham in Bangkok, talks us through what we know currently and how the prime minister and king have responded:

"The Prime Minister has ordered flags to be flown at half mast... he also travelled to the province to meet with the families of the victims... the Thai king will place victims under royal patronage."

(Photo: Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha pays his respects. Credit: Athit Perawongmetha via Reuters)

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4 minutes