WEB DESK

At least 17 people have been shot dead and many injured when a Thai soldier opened fire in the city of Korat Saturday.


Confirming the incident, a defence ministry spokesman told media that a junior officer had attacked his commanding officer before stealing a gun and ammunition from a military camp. He said, the soldier then opened fire at a Buddhist temple and at a shopping centre in the city, north-east of Bangkok.

Local media footage appears to show the suspect getting out of a Humvee-type vehicle in front of the Terminal 21 shopping centre in the Muang district and firing shots as people flee.

Authorities have sealed off the centre as they are trying to track down the suspect, who is reportedly inside the building. The suspect’s motive remains unclear.