Share
News

Thai Soldier Opens Fire on Fellow Soldiers, Kills 20 North of Bangkok: Report

Share

At least 20 people are dead following a Thai soldier’s shooting rampage Saturday just north of Bangkok.

A defense ministry spokesman told BBC that the soldier attacked his commanding officer, Col. Anantharot Krasae, before stealing guns and ammunition from the military camp and opening fire on his fellow soldiers.

He then shot people at a local Buddhist temple before moving onto a shopping center in Nakhon Ratchasima, 160 miles northeast of Bangkok.

Local media video footage showed the shooter getting out of a stolen Humvee-type vehicle at the Terminal 21 shopping center and shooting people as they fled the scene, according to BBC.

He also reportedly fired at a cooking glass cylinder, creating an explosion and fire. This seems to be confirmed by a picture he posted on social media of him with the fire in the background.

The Bangkok Post reported that he had taken hostages in the mall, but that has not yet been officially confirmed. More gunshots were reported inside the building.

The shooter has been identified as Jakraphanth Thomma and he remains at large.

The mall and surrounding areas have been sealed off as authorities try to catch Thomma.

Do you think this attack could have been prevented?

Police have also located Thomma’s mother and are hoping she can persuade her son to surrender, the Bangkok Post reported.

An anonymous official from the Bangkok-based Erawan Center said the number of victims totaled “17 deaths and 14 injuries,” according to the Bangkok Post.

Among the dead are Col. Krasae and a 63-year-old woman reported to be Krasae’s mother-in-law.

“The gunman used a machine gun and shot innocent victims resulting in many injured and dead,” police spokesman Pol Col Krissana Pattanacharoen told the Bangkok Post.

Related:
11-Year-Old Girl Is Sole Surviving Victim of Family Massacre, Teen Suspect in Custody

The shooter’s motives remain unclear, but part of the shooting was live-streamed on Facebook and it was reported that the shooter had also posted a picture of himself holding a firearm with the caption, “So tired,” according to Fox News.

He also asked his social media followers if he should surrender, BBC reported.

His Facebook page has since been taken down.

Truth and Accuracy

Submit a Correction →



We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Tags:
, , , , ,
Share
Erin Coates was an editor for The Western Journal for over two years before becoming a news writer. A University of Oregon graduate, Erin has conducted research in data journalism and contributed to various publications as a writer and editor.
Erin Coates was an editor for The Western Journal for over two years before becoming a news writer. She grew up in San Diego, California, proceeding to attend the University of Oregon and graduate with honors holding a degree in journalism. During her time in Oregon, Erin was an associate editor for Ethos Magazine and a freelance writer for Eugene Magazine. She has conducted research in data journalism, which has been published in the book “Data Journalism: Past, Present and Future.” Erin is an avid runner with a heart for encouraging young girls and has served as a coach for the organization Girls on the Run. As a writer and editor, Erin strives to promote social dialogue and tell the story of those around her.
Birthplace
Tucson, Arizona
Nationality
American
Honors/Awards
Graduated with Honors
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, University of Oregon
Books Written
Contributor for Data Journalism: Past, Present and Future
Location
Prescott, Arizona
Languages Spoken
English, French
Topics of Expertise
Politics, Health, Entertainment, Faith




Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.

Conversation