At least 20 people have been shot
dead and many injured by a Thai soldier in the city of Nakhon Ratchasima
(also known as Korat), police say.
A defence ministry spokesman
told BBC Thai that Jakraphanth Thomma, a junior officer, had attacked
his commanding officer before stealing a gun and ammunition from a
military camp.He then opened fire at a Buddhist temple and at a shopping centre in the city, north-east of Bangkok.
The suspect is still at large.
Local media footage appears to show the suspect getting out of a car in front of the Terminal 21 shopping centre in the Muang district and firing shots as people flee. Other footage showed a fire outside the building.
Authorities have been sealing off the centre as they try to track down the suspect, who is reportedly inside the building. Police have warned people to stay at home.
The suspect's motive remains unclear.
However, he posted on his social media accounts during the attack, with one post on Facebook asking whether he should surrender.
He had earlier posted an image of a pistol with three sets of bullets, along with the words: "It is time to get excited.
