Sasipatchara, 54, principal of Patong Prathan Khiriwat school in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, died from severe injuries sustained during a shooting and hostage incident on 11/2. Witnesses stated that upon arriving at the school around 4:45 h, the gunman initially took a female student hostage. Sasipatchara attempted to persuade the suspect to let her "take the place" of the student and hold her hostage instead. The principal was shot immediately afterward, with the bullet striking her left chest, passing through to the right side of her body, and angling downwards.

She was rushed to Hat Yai Hospital for treatment but succumbed to severe blood loss and clotting dysfunction due to extensive internal organ damage, according to hospital director Wiroj Yommuang. Darawan Chaisuwan, deputy principal of Rattaphum Wittaya school in Songkhla province, praised her former colleague, saying, "In that fateful moment, she courageously stepped forward to protect her student with the spirit of an educator."

Sasipatchara Sinsamosorn, principal of Patong Prathan Khiriwat school in Songkhla province. *Khaosod*

Sasipatchara held a master's degree in educational management and had served as deputy principal and principal at three other schools in Songkhla before becoming principal of Patong Prathan Khiriwat in 2020. On social media, many Thais praised her self-sacrifice to protect students during the dangerous moment. The Bangkok Community Support Foundation stated in a social media tribute: "Sasipatchara Sinsamosorn is remembered across Thailand not only as a dedicated educational administrator but also as a woman of extraordinary courage. In her final moments, she voluntarily took the place of a student being held hostage. She gave her life in this effort. Her selflessness left a deep mark on students, colleagues, and the community."

In addition to Sasipatchara, a 14-year-old female student was shot and required surgery, while another victim sustained an ankle injury after jumping from the second floor to escape. Thai special police arrested the suspect alive on the evening of 11/2. Patong Prathan Khiriwat school closed for two days for memorial services and psychological counseling for students and staff.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul called on Thai authorities to swiftly and severely punish those responsible for the shooting, labeling it a brazen crime that "needs to be addressed at its root." He confirmed receiving a full report and directed police to expedite investigations and prosecutions. He added that authorities would clarify information regarding the suspect's agitated state.

By Thanh Danh (Sources: Bangkok Post, Thai Enquirer, Khaosod)