Following the death of multiple people in a 19-hour public shooting by a deranged soldier in Thailand, many families and friends lost their loved ones with no one to answer for the crime since the soldier was killed.
The Thailand army chief has since stepped up to apologise for the actions of his rogue soldier, as reported by CNA. During a 90-minute press conference, Thai Army Chief General Apirat Kongsompong also added that the army will help to compensate the families of all the victims.
“I, as an army chief, would like to apologise and say how sorry I am for this incident, which was caused by a staff of the army,” Apirat said, while wiping away tears.
Source: CNA
“The second the perpetrator pulled the trigger and killed (innocent people), from that second on, he was a criminal and no longer a soldier,” he added.
Sergeant Major Jakrapanth Thomma, the perpetrator in this case, was shot dead by a security team after he had opened fire in the Terminal 21 mall. The 32-year-old had apparently started by killing his commanding officer and the commander’s mother-in-law over a business dispute.
Source: CNA
“I don’t think any of the Thai people would want this incident to happen again, but please, don’t blame the army or berate soldiers,” the chief said.
“If you want to blame someone, you can blame General Apirat Kongsompong. I accept all criticism and opinions. You can blame me because I am the army chief.”
It truly takes a noble and courageous man to step up and take responsibility for the actions of another.
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Also read: Thai Soldier Who Went On Shooting Spree Killed A Family Because Little Girl Was Crying
