Thailand-shooting : Rogue Thai soldier goes on shooting spree, at least 20 killed
BANGKOK: At least 20 people were killed as a soldier went on a shooting rampage in Nakhon Ratchasima (also known as Korat) in north-eastern Thailand today.
Defence Ministry spokesman Kongcheep Tantravanich said they included three soldiers.
“It is unclear how many police personnel are killed in the incident,” he said when contacted by Bernama.
Local media reported at least 20 were injured.
The suspect is still at large in a shopping mall holding some hostages. However, the exact number remains unknown.
The 32-year-old soldier from the 2nd Army Regional Command opened fire in several locations including a Buddhist temple in the city, about 250 km from Bangkok.
The suspect, identified as Sergeant Major Jakrapanth Thomma, attacked and killed his commanding officer and two others at the Surathampithak Army Camp before proceeding to steal new weapons.
He fired randomly at civilians as he drove from the army camp to Terminal 21 shopping mall, where he is still believed to be in hiding.
Earlier, the suspect live-streamed the attack on Facebook and even posted a selfie of him holding a rifle.
“Tired. I can barely move my fingers,” he wrote on the video posted at around 7.30 pm (local time). However, the video was removed later.
A video posted online showed the soldier rushing out of a vehicle in front of the shopping mall and firing a series of shots.
Meanwhile, Thai army chief Apirat Kongsompong issued an order for local army commanders to investigate the incident.
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan o-cha instructed relevant authorities to hunt down the suspect.
He expressed condolences to the families of those killed and injured in the incident.
— BERNAMA
