Thailand shooting: Soldier kills at least 10 in shooting rampage
In a shocking incident, a Thai soldier opened fire and killed at least 10 people and injured several others in a mass shooting rampage on Saturday. The incident took place in Thailand's northeastern city of Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Korat, according to police. The attacker, identified as Sergeant Major Jakrapanth Thomma, is still at large, and his motive remains unknown. Here's more.
Trying to capture attacker; police and military deployed: Police spokesperson
"At the moment, we are trying to capture the guy. Both police and military forces have been deployed to the area," a police spokesperson, Krissana Pattanacharoen, was quoted as saying by CNN. The spokesperson also added that the motive of the suspect - who is reportedly a soldier in the 2nd Army Regional Command - is not known yet.
Suspect attacked commanding officer and opened fire at different locations
The suspect reportedly attacked his commanding officer first and then stole an army vehicle from the military camp. He then opened fire at a Buddhist temple, a shopping center, and several other locations in the city. The attacker posted photos and also live-streamed the mass shooting on social media. The police said they were still searching for the soldier.
Can't confirm if there are any hostages taken: Military commander
"The gunman used a machine gun and shot innocent victims resulting in many injured and dead," said police spokesperson Pattanacharoen. Military commander Lieutenant General Thanya Kiatsarn told CNN, "We can't confirm if there are any hostages taken. But we believe he (the shooter) is still holding inside Terminal 21 shopping mall. We are working on this."
It appears the soldier went mad: Defense Ministry spokesperson
"We don't know why he (the attacker) did this. It appears he went mad," Thai Defense Ministry spokesperson, Lieutenant General Kongcheep Tantrawanit, was quoted as saying by Reuters. Meanwhile, Thai army chief Apirat Kongsompong issued an order to local army commanders to investigate the matter.
Death is inevitable for everyone: Attacker on Facebook
During the shooting rampage, the suspect reportedly posted status updates and a selfie on Facebook and live-streamed the incident on Facebook Live. Earlier in the day, the attacker posted, "Death is inevitable for everyone," and also uploaded a picture of him holding a gun. However, the live-stream and his posts were made unavailable soon after the attack by Facebook.
Thai PM expresses condolences to families of the deceased
Meanwhile, Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has expressed condolences to the families of those who were killed in the mass shooting incident, said an official spokeswoman. The Prime Minister is also following developments in the matter, added the spokeswoman.
Facebook says 'no place' for anyone who commits such atrocities
After the mass shooting, Facebook also expressed condolences and said there was no place on the social media platform for anyone who commits or supports such atrocities. The social media giant stated, "We have removed the gunman's accounts from our services and will work around the clock to remove any violating content related to this attack as soon as we become aware of it."
