Thai Man Kills 20 in Rampage Sparked by 'Financial Dispute'

Thai suspect reportedly stole weapons, Humvee from army base before heading to mall
By Jenn Gidman,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 8, 2020 8:15 AM CST
Updated Feb 8, 2020 4:30 PM CST

A mass shooting at various sites in Thailand has left at least 20 dead and 31 injured, with the gunman still on the loose, police say. The New York Times reports the shootings took place in Korat, located to the northeast of Bangkok in the Nakhon Ratchasima province. The gunman, said to be a soldier who reportedly used military-style firearms, appeared to livestream the attacks on Facebook, though his page has since been shut down. The shooter has been identified by officials as Sgt. Jakrapanth Thomma. He was apparently upset over a financial dispute, per the AP.

The Bangkok Post reports Thomma, 32, allegedly started his shooting spree by stealing some weapons at the Surathampithak army camp, then shooting and killing his commander and two others. From there, the gunman allegedly stole a Humvee and drove to the Terminal 21 shopping center, firing at people along the way. Once inside the mall, the shooter is said to have fired at a cooking gas container, which exploded. Police believe the gunman is still inside the mall; per the Post, the attacker is holding a group of hostages on the fourth floor, though the BBC notes a hostage situation hasn't been confirmed. There are also unconfirmed reports the attacker may have hand grenades. (More Thailand stories.)

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