HistoryData
general2020

Nakhon Ratchasima shootings — 2020 mass shooting by a soldier in Thailand

February 8, 2020

The deadliest mass shooting in Thai history at the time, killing 29 and wounding 58 at a military camp and shopping mall over two days.

Quick Facts

Year
2020
Category
general

Key Facts

Killed
29 people
Wounded
58 people
Duration
8–9 February 2020
Primary site
Terminal 21 Korat shopping mall
Perpetrator rank
Sergeant Major, Royal Thai Army
Holiday during attack
Magha Puja

By the Numbers

29people
Killed
58people
Wounded
8
Duration
21
Primary site

Location

Map of Nakhon Ratchasima, ThailandMap of Nakhon Ratchasima, ThailandNakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

Cause → Event → Consequence

Cause

A Royal Thai Army Sergeant Major shot and killed his commanding officer and two others at Suratham Phithak Military Camp, the base where he was stationed. He then stole military weapons and a Humvee, beginning a prolonged attack across the city of Nakhon Ratchasima during the Magha Puja public holiday.

Event

The perpetrator drove to Terminal 21 Korat shopping mall, firing on crowds of holiday shoppers, and also attacked people on the road and at Wat Pa Sattha Ruam temple. He broadcast live updates on Facebook during the rampage. Security forces eventually cornered and killed him inside the mall, ending the two-day attack.

Consequence

The attack left 29 dead and 58 wounded, making it the deadliest mass shooting in Thailand's history until it was surpassed by the 2022 Nong Bua Lamphu massacre. The incident prompted scrutiny of military personnel conduct and security procedures in Thailand.

Timeline Context

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