'Shocked and Saddened', UNICEF condemns Thailand shooting - Read full statement here

Thailand: In a tragic incident, a man opened fire at a children’s day-care centre in Nongbua Lamphu killing at least 35 people which included 24 children. The assailant identified as a former police officer fled the scene and killed his wife and son before shooting himself and committing suicide.

According to Police sources, a total of two children and 10 adults died outside the childcare center, including the gunman, his wife and his son. Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha has ordered an urgent probe into the shocking incident.

The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) condemned the shooting incident and said that no child should be a “target or witness of violence anywhere, anytime”.

Here’s the full statement issued by UNICEF:

UNICEF is saddened and shocked by the tragic shooting incident at an early childhood development centre in Thailand's northern province of Nong Bua Lamphu, where dozens of people were reported killed, many of them young children. UNICEF condemns all forms of violence against children. No child should be a target or witness of violence anywhere, anytime.

Early childhood development centres, schools and all learning spaces must be safe havens for young children to learn, play and grow during their most critical years. 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. We also ask that members of the public and the media refrain from posting or forwarding images and videos related to this violent incident, as this may further negatively impact children, victims' families, and their loved ones.