Photo taken on Feb. 8, 2020 shows the shopping mall where a shooting took place in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand. (Xinhua)
A soldier has shot at least 12 people dead and is taking 16 people in hostage after he went on a shooting spree in Thailand's north-eastern province of Nakorn Ratchasima.
The gunman was live-streaming the entire incident on social media and taking selfies in front of the crime scene.
BANGKOK, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- Thai police on Saturday evening has not confirmed the number of deaths after a junior soldier went on a shooting spree in north-eastern Thailand while local media reported that at least 12 people have been killed.
In the meantime, at least 20 army and police officers have sealed the crime scene where the suspect is holding 16 hostages, according to the reports.
Local media reported that the gunman was live-streaming the entire incident on social media and taking selfies in front of the crime scene.
Television images showed footage of a police spokesman advising the public to move away from the area, "stay indoor, and obey instructions from security officers," while authorities are in negotiation with the suspect.
Defence ministry spokesman Lt Gen Kongcheep Tantravanich said on TV that the suspect seized arms and ammunition from the camp before taking a Humvee-type vehicle.
Photo taken on Feb. 8, 2020 shows the scene of a shooting in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand. (Xinhua)
He then opened fire at a number of sites before arriving at the Terminal 21 shopping center in the province of Nakorn Ratchasima.
TV footage showed the suspect getting out of his vehicle and firing shots as people flee.
It also showed fire outside the building, with some reports saying it was caused by a gas canister that exploded when it was hit with a bullet.
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha is following the developments and has expressed condolences to the families of those killed, according to the reports.
The suspect reportedly also posted an image on social media of a pistol with three sets of bullets, along with the words "it is time to get excited" and "nobody can avoid death". Facebook has now taken the page down.
