UPDATE, 11.03AM: The Straits Times (ST) reported that Thai security forces have killed the gunman, a 32-year-soldier who shot at least 21 people dead.
They rescued eight hostages, some of whom are hurt.
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A Korat shooting incident at Terminal 21 mall in Northern Thailand by an errant junior officer has shed light on how social media may be misused in a horrific way.
20 fatalities and dozens injured by gunfire have been confirmed by Thai authorities close to midnight on 8 Feb. Efforts to capture the gunman are still ongoing at the time of writing.
Here’s what we know of the unfolding tragedy thus far.
On Saturday (8 Feb) afternoon, a gunman – identified as 32-year-old Jakraphanth Thomma – assassinated his commanding officer and the officer’s mother-in-law at 3.30pm in their home.
He proceeded to steal an assortment of guns and a jeep from a military camp, before a shootout ensued there with at least 1 fatality and 1 injured victim, reports BBC Thailand.
This was followed by a short confrontation at a temple, where Thomma injured an unspecified number of policemen and civilians, according to Thairath.
Thomma then drove to a mall named Terminal 21 in Nakhon Ratchasima – also known as Korat – entering it at around 6pm.
Singaporeans who are familiar with Bangkok’s Terminal 21 mall in Asok, may recall the popular mall’s iconic layout which emulates an airport terminal on each floor.
The shooting incident took place at Korat’s equivalent of the mall in Northern Thailand, managed under the same franchise.
The gunman began actively documenting the incident on social media at 7pm, posting a selfie with an exploding gas tank which he shot outside the mall.
He has also livestreamed the shooting incident on Facebook, videos of which have been taken down and his account since suspended.
Hundreds of shoppers were estimated to have been evacuated from the shopping centre, after a hostage stand-off that lasted at least 7 hours on Saturday (8 Feb).
Victims of the shooting incident now total 20 dead, and dozens injured as of 12am (GMT+7) on 8 Feb.
Police have locked down the area in a 2km radius around the mall. In a statement issued at 1am (GMT+7) on 9 Feb, Thai authorities have stated that the situation is under control.
However, there have been no reports about the successful capture of Thomma at the time of writing.
In the wake of the unfolding tragedy, Thai citizens have rushed to hospitals in Korat to donate blood to the victims.
As of 10pm (GMT+7), the overwhelming response for donations saw Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital requesting that potential donors report to the hospital the next day (9 Feb).
Thai media has released information on possible motives for the gunman, allegedly due to a dispute with his superior over commission from the sale of land.
Do note that this is unverified at the moment as investigations are ongoing.
We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the victims embroiled in this shooting incident.
In the wake of the crisis, we hope that the gunman will be captured soon and that justice will be sought for all affected families & civilians.
Featured image adapted from CNN & Facebook.
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