Pathum Thani Gun Scare Closes 40 Schools — Here's What It Cost Parents
Photo courtesy of Thai Examiner
A gunman with seven weapons just forced 40 schools in Pathum Thani to shut down for two days. That meant thousands of parents scrambling for last-minute childcare — and the costs that come with it.
Noparat Jeento, 30, surrendered to police after a two-day manhunt that started when cops found seven guns at his home. The whole thing kicked off Monday when police raided his place and discovered the weapons cache, but Noparat had already bolted.
What Actually Happened
Pathum Thani education officials weren't taking chances. They ordered 40 schools closed across several districts while police hunted for the armed suspect. Parents got emergency notifications that their kids needed to stay home until further notice.
The manhunt ended Wednesday when Noparat walked into a police station with his mother. Classic Thailand moment — after two days of hiding from heavily armed police units, he surrenders and gets a hug from mom.
The Real Cost for Families
Two unexpected school closure days means parents had to figure out childcare fast. In Pathum Thani, that typically runs:
- Day care centers: ฿300-500 per day ($8.60-$14.30)
- Babysitters: ฿400-600 per day ($11.50-$17.20)
- Taking time off work: Lost daily wages for many families
For a family with two kids using emergency day care, that's potentially ฿2,000 ($57) just because one guy had too many guns at home.
Pathum Thani sits just north of Bangkok, so many parents work in the capital. Missing work days or paying for sudden childcare hits household budgets hard, especially for families already stretching their ฿15,000-25,000 monthly income.
Why This Matters for Travelers
Pathum Thani isn't a major tourist destination, but it shows how quickly things can change in Thailand. Security situations pop up fast, and authorities respond by shutting things down first, asking questions later.
If you're traveling with kids or have planned activities that involve schools or local events, incidents like this remind you why travel insurance matters. Sudden closures, whether from security scares, weather, or other emergencies, can mess with your plans and budget.
The good news? This wrapped up without anyone getting hurt. Noparat faces weapons charges, schools reopened Thursday, and life in Pathum Thani goes back to normal. Just cost everyone a bunch of money and stress for two days.
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