In a horrifying development to an ongoing story happening in Thailand, soldier Cpl. Jakkrapanth Thomma, who went on a murderous rampage throughout Nakhon Ratchasima, setting off bombs and gunning down 12 people, is said to now be holding hostages in hand according to Khao Sod English.
The still ongoing incident has put the entire city in a state of chaos, with city officials locking down the city after the soldier who went berserk stole weapons from within his own military base and shot his own commanding officer to death. He then stole a Humvee heading towards the city centre, where he fired weapons into large crowds and traffic.
The ensuing carnage has already claimed 12 lives, but it has now been reported that the soldier has taken over 16 people hostage inside the 4th floor of Terminal 21 shopping mall in Korat.
He is allegedly threatening to blow up the mall, taking all 16 hostages with him.
The motives behind his killings are yet unclear, but he has been posting updates of himself gunning down innocent people over Facebook, up until 7.20pm, when his Facebook account was deactivated.
According to Bangkok Post, troops from a special warfare unit have been dispatched to the mall. The soldier’s mother has also been brought from the Chaiyaphum province, in hopes that she could persuade him. The dead include a motorcycle taxi, a cab driver, and a highschool student, according to preliminary reports.
This is a developing story. More details will be updated as they are available to press.
Also read: BREAKING: Thai Soldier Updates FB About His Shooting Spree, Kills 12 & Bombs Gas Tank