Three dead, 14-yr-old suspected gunman arrested
The Metropolitan Police Detective Department officially announced the arrest on their Facebook page, and at present, the suspect is undergoing intensive questioning to ascertain the full details of the incident.
Emergency services shared a striking image on social media, capturing a police officer apprehending and handcuffing the suspect, who was found lying face down on the mall floor. Prior to the arrest, the Central Investigation Bureau had released a somewhat grainy image of the alleged gunman, who was seen wearing khaki cargo pants and a baseball cap.
Videos circulating on various social media platforms painted a picture of chaos and panic as mall-goers, including children, frantically fled the premises, guided by vigilant security personnel. One video captured people seeking refuge in a dimly lit room within a restaurant. Live television coverage displayed long lines of traffic outside the mall, exacerbated by heavy rain.
Regrettably, Thailand has witnessed gun violence incidents in the past, leaving the nation grappling with the aftermath. Just last year, a former police officer carried out a horrific attack in a nursery, claiming the lives of 22 children. In 2020, a soldier embarked on a rampage in and around the northeastern Thai city of Nakhon Ratchasima, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 29 individuals and injuring 57 others.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed deep concern in response to the Siam Paragon Mall shooting, taking to social media to convey, “I am aware of the shooting event at Siam Paragon and have ordered the police to investigate. I am most worried about public safety.” The incident has sparked a renewed emphasis on the critical need for public safety measures and security in the nation.