At least 30 people, including children, have been reportedly killed on Thursday in a shooting at a childcare centre in the Northwest region of Thailand.

Police Maj. Gen. Achayon Kraithong who disclosed this added that the gunman opened fire early in the afternoon at the centre located in Nongbua Lamphu town.

A spokesperson for a regional public affairs office said 26 deaths have been confirmed so far — 23 children, two teachers and one police officer.

Also, Police colonel Jakkapat Vijitraithaya from Nong Bua Lam Phu province said the gunman went home and killed his wife and child after the mass shooting.

AP quoting Thai media reports added the gunman also used knives in the attack and then fled the building.

Photographs showed at least two bodies on the floor of the centre covered in white sheets.

Several media outlets identified the assailant as a former police officer but there was no immediate official confirmation.