Thai soldier Jakrapanth Thomma kills at least 21 in Korat shooting spree
- Despite police attempts to flush him out, suspect remains holed up in shopping centre with unknown number of people feared trapped inside
- Gunman posted messages on his Facebook page, including ‘no one can escape death’, before and during shooting
A member of the Thai security forces was killed early Sunday in an attempt to stop a soldier holed up in a shopping centre after a shooting rampage, bringing the total death toll to 21, the health minister said.
Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters at the scene that one member of the security forces was killed and two wounded in the raid. As he spoke, a series of explosions and further shooting echoed from the Terminal 21 mall in Nakhon Ratchasima – also known as Korat – where the gunman held out, armed with assault weapons stolen from his barracks.
It was unclear how many people remained inside the mall after police said they had “taken control” of the ground floor of the complex late on Saturday.
Shocked evacuees recounted how an ordinary Saturday shopping day at busy mall descended into a unimaginable scene of horror as the gunman entered.
“It was like a dream … I’m grateful I survived,” said Sottiyanee Unchalee, 48, recounting how she hid in the toilet of gym inside the mall as she heard the gunfire.
“I’m so sorry for those who died … [and] the people still trapped inside.”
Over 12 hours since the rampage began, authorities gave no fresh details on the movements of the attacker – a junior army officer identified as Sergeant-Major Jakrapanth Thomma. But speculation mounted that the gunmen may have retreated to a basement of the multilevel mall.