A Thai police officer arrests a young man suspected of shooting dead three people and injuring four others Tuesday in a gun rampage at the country’s most famous mall in downtown Bangkok. Photo courtesy Thai Central Investigation Bureau
Oct. 3 (UPI) — Three people were killed and four were injured after a gunman went on a shooting rampage Tuesday at an upscale shopping mall in the center of Bangkok, medical authorities said.
The alleged shooter, a 14-year-old boy, was apprehended at a nearby hotel after initiating gunfire at around 4:20 p.m. local time inside the Siam Paragon mall, causing panic among the numerous individuals present in the city’s Pathum Wan district.
According to witnesses, the assailant discharged over 10 rounds.
The casualty figures were confirmed by Yuthana Srettanan, director of the Bangkok Emergency Medical Centre. Three of the injured individuals, including at least one non-Thai citizen, were receiving treatment at Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, while the fourth was admitted to the Police General Hospital.
“The attacker has been arrested. In fact, he turned himself in. The situation is now being brought under control,” stated Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin during a press conference.
CCTV footage circulating on social media depicts the alleged shooter kneeling as he seemingly surrenders before the police break through a glass pane, subdue the suspect, and take him into custody.
The police, who found a handgun at the scene, stated that they are interrogating the apprehended individual.
“It all unfolded within a few minutes. We witnessed everyone running, running, running. We couldn’t comprehend what was happening,” recounted Shir Yahav, an Israeli visitor, as quoted by Channel News Agency.
Siam Paragon mall, which boasts more than 4 million square feet of space, is a highly popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering renowned retail stores, an aquarium, a movie theater, and a diverse selection of dining establishments.
The mall promptly evacuated shoppers and staff, prioritizing their safety and security, according to a statement released by the establishment.
“Siam Paragon would like to extend our sincerest apologies for the unforeseen incident,” the statement read.
This shooting rampage occurs just days before the anniversary of the massacre of 24 children and 12 adults by a former police officer armed with knives and guns on October 6, 2022, in Nong Bua Lamphu province in northeastern Thailand. The perpetrator managed to escape but took his own life and the lives of his family members as the authorities closed in.
In 2020, a former army officer killed 29 people and injured numerous others in a shooting spree at a shopping mall in Korat, a city in northeastern Thailand. He was subsequently shot dead by the police.
