Bangkok Siam Paragon Mall shooting leaves four dead; 14-yr-old teenage suspect in custody

BANGKOK: A shocking act of violence disrupted the peace in one of Bangkok’s most popular shopping destinations, the Siam Paragon mall, on Tuesday (3 Oct).

At least four individuals have been confirmed dead with several others wounded in a shooting that took place within the establishment.

Initial reports from Thai emergency services confirmed three fatalities, but the death toll rose after another victim died due to their injuries.

Among the injured, health authorities have identified a foreign national, although further details remain undisclosed.

The Thai police acted swiftly, arresting the 14-year-old suspected gunman responsible for the attack.

Addressing the situation, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced, “The attacker was arrested. In fact, he surrendered. Police are clearing the scene. The situation is easing.”

Terrifying scenes unfolded at the mall earlier in the day, with hundreds seen fleeing the venue in panic. Siam Paragon is one of the Thai capital’s most visited spots, drawing both tourists and locals in large numbers.

In the aftermath of the shooting, the mall was placed on lockdown to ensure the safety of all present.

Eyewitness accounts and multiple videos that surfaced on social media captured the intense moments of people running for safety.

This tragic incident occurs just days before the first anniversary of another heinous crime that rocked the nation last year.

In that incident, an ex-police officer armed with a knife and gun launched a horrifying attack on a nursery, resulting in the deaths of 24 children and 12 adults.

Thailand, unfortunately, has had its share of firearm-related incidents over the years. The nation has a high rate of gun ownership and has witnessed various violent episodes involving firearms.

In 2020, a memory still fresh in many minds, a former army officer went on a murderous spree in a shopping mall in Korat, killing 29 people and injuring many more.