Gunman arrested after shooting at luxury mall in Bangkok, Thailand – 3 dead, 4 injured
BANGKOK – A 14-year-old suspected gunman has been arrested by police in Thailand after a shooting at the Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok, which authorities say killed three people and injured four others. The incident took place on Tuesday during peak shopping hours at the popular mall, causing chaos and panic among shoppers.
Videos verified by Reuters showed hundreds of people, including children, fleeing the mall into torrential rain. Witnesses described the scene as people running in confusion, not understanding what was happening. One witness, Shir Yahav, who was at a designer store at the time of the shooting, said they blocked the door of the store after hearing shots.
The suspected gunman, dressed in khaki cargo pants and a baseball cap, was apprehended and handcuffed by a police officer, as seen in images shared by emergency services. Authorities are currently questioning the teenager in custody.
Gun violence incidents are not uncommon in Thailand, with this incident coming just a year after an ex-police officer killed 36 people, including himself and 22 children, during a gun-and-knife attack at a nursery. In 2020, a soldier went on a rampage in Nakhon Ratchasima, killing at least 29 people and injuring 57.
Siam Paragon, the location of the shooting, is Thailand’s most famous mall, known for its high-end stores, movie theater, and popular food court dining. The mall attracts a large number of people, including both locals and tourists.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing public safety. The mall immediately evacuated shoppers and staff, prioritizing their safety. In a statement, Siam Paragon apologized for the unexpected event and assured that authorities have taken control of the situation and apprehended the culprit.
The incident left the surrounding streets filled with people trying to grasp the situation. The bustling commercial zone, which is connected to an elevated rail network and several other malls, was crowded with onlookers.
Additional reporting by Panu Wongcha-um, Devjyot Ghoshal, Pasit Kongkunakornkul, Napat Wesshasartar, Artorn Pookasook, Athit Perawongmetha, and Sun Cong; Editing by Kanupriya Kapoor, Martin Petty, and Gareth Jones.
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