The 14-year-old boy responsible for a recent shooting at the Siam Paragon Mall in Bangkok that killed two people and injured several others has since been charged on 4 October with premeditated murder and illegal possession of a firearm, according to Channel NewsAsia.
A Day Turned Tragic: The Siam Paragon Shooting
The Unfolding Tragedy
The incident occurred on Tuesday at the Siam Paragon shopping centre, a popular destination in Bangkok known for its upscale shops and bustling atmosphere. The tranquil setting was shattered when gunshots rang out, sending hundreds of shoppers into a panic.
Tragically, two innocent lives were lost in this senseless act of violence. Among the victims were a Chinese and a Myanmar national, who had likely come to enjoy a day of shopping, completely unaware of the danger that awaited them.
The Suspect: A Troubled Teenager
Psychological Breakdown
According to the police, the suspect had suffered a psychological breakdown in the days leading up to the shooting.
Despite the psychological issues, a court decided against detaining the teenager at a mental health facility. Instead, he was ordered into juvenile detention.
The teenager now faces a series of charges, including illegal possession of a firearm, carrying a firearm in public without authorization, and discharging a firearm in public.
This incident once again highlights the pressing issue of gun control in Thailand. The ease with which the teenager acquired a modified pistol raises concerns about the accessibility of firearms and the need for stricter regulations.
Recap
According to the timeline of events provided by the Thai police via The Bangkok Post, the shooter entered Siam Paragon via BTS Link 2 at 3.35 pm, appearing as an ordinary visitor, carrying a shoulder bag, and blended into the crowd.
Security camera footage revealed that five minutes later, he made his way to M floor, where he walked into a restroom. It was during this time that he began to prepare for the horrifying act he was about to commit.
Video and still images shared on social media showed a long-haired Thai male dressed in a black shirt and camouflage pants. He was wearing a baseball cap adorned with the American flag and, alarmingly, carrying a handgun.
At 4.10 pm, gunshots resonated from inside the toilet, instantly transforming the mall’s atmosphere into one of terror and chaos. The shooter, now out in the open, continued to fire at unsuspecting shoppers.
By 4.25 pm, he had moved to the mall’s second floor, continuing his shooting spree without restraint. Panic gripped the mall, and people were desperately seeking shelter.
A few minutes later, the shooter took the escalator to the third floor, where he continued his rampage. Shoppers and staff were trapped.
He was eventually cornered by the police into a furniture shop on the 3rd floor and he then surrendered to the police, putting down his weapon.
Hundred of shoppers were seen in videos circulating online, fleeing the mall and going to the Rama I Road in the Pathum Wan district.
The mall’s entry and exit points were also locked down and the BTW Skyway was also shut down, with the Skytrain bypassing the Siam BTS station on its travel route.
Police officers were seen inside the locked down mall, along with VIPs who had arrived for a briefing, including the Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
The deputy interior minister Chada Thaiset was also seen at the scene interrogating the 14-year-old in front of the media.
Reports revealed that the suspect was a student at a private school in Bangkok, with parents who were working as teachers.
A search of his home unveiled a stash of ammunition, including 49 9mm bullets and 15 spent shells of various sizes.
The authorities also went through his phone and found videos of his practising with a gun.