PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Sen expressed his deepest condolences over the death of 34 people at a mass shooting that occurred at a child care center in northeastern Thailand on Thursday, 6 October.

During the meeting between the Cambodian Prime Minister and the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation of Thailand, Anek Laothamatas, at the Peace Palace on Friday morning, 7 October, Prime Minister Hun Sen said, "The Royal Government of Cambodia, the people of Cambodia, please join me in expressing great regret over this loss."

On Thursday, 34-year-old former Thai police officer, Phan Yakarap, entered a Thai child care center in Nong Bualang Phu province and shot several children and staff at lunchtime.

After the shooting, the assailant went home and shot his wife and children before killing himself.

It is unknown at this time what prompted the perpetrator to commit such heinous acts, but it is known that he was expelled from his police unit a year ago in connection to a drug distribution case which was in the process of being prosecuted in court.