In Thailand, a man has opened fire at a childcare center in the country's northeast. Police say at least 36 people are dead including children.

The shooting happened on Thursday at a facility for 3- to 5-year-olds in Nong Bua Lamphu province.

Police say 24 children are among the dead, and twelve people were injured.

They say the gunman went home and shot dead his wife and son before turning the gun on himself.

He was reportedly a former police officer whose job was terminated because he was involved with drugs.

A teacher at the facility spoke to NHK about the incident. She said, "It happened when children were sleeping. A teacher saw the gunman coming, so we locked the door. But he kicked it down and got into the classroom."

Separately, a Japanese local resident told NHK it was a shocking incident to happen in a normally quiet village.