Deadly Shooting at Bangkok Army Facility Sparks Investigation and Public Fear
Two people lost their lives and another person was wounded in a shooting that occurred on Wednesday at a military installation in Bangkok. According to military sources, the incident happened inside the Royal Thai Army Academy while authorities were alerted to a firearm-related event at 8:45 in the morning local time (GMT+7) at the Army Training Command Department, located in the central Dusit district of the city. This initial timeline has been confirmed by the Royal Thai Army in a formal memo detailing the events as they unfolded that day.
The suspected shooter has been identified as a 59-year-old sergeant who entered the building wielding an unspecified firearm and opened fire on military personnel. The army’s statement indicates that the assailant was working in an office at the time of the attack. Officials subsequently named the two soldiers who were killed: Sergeant Major Nopparat Inthasunthorn and Sergeant Major Sinsong. A third service member, Sergeant Yongyuth Panyanuwat, sustained injuries during the incident and was immediately transported to Phramongkutklao Hospital for treatment; authorities have not disclosed the current condition of the patient.
At this stage, authorities have not released a definitive motive for the attack. Early statements suggest that the episode might be linked to health-related stress, and officials are actively examining potential factors such as mental health and stress that could have contributed to the violence. The Army has publicly stated that the investigation will consider health issues and stress as part of the broader inquiry, noting that the incident may originate from personal health struggles rather than a targeted act against the institution itself.
Officials report that the assailant fled the scene following the shooting but was later located by police and military investigators. He was placed under custody and is now in the hands of the judiciary for proceedings tied to the incident.
Video footage captured by bystanders and posted on social platforms shows emergency crews arriving promptly, with multiple ambulances arriving to assist the injured. Police and military personnel observed a high level of activity around the campus as responders worked to secure the area. As a precaution, authorities halted traffic in streets surrounding the Army Training Command to prevent further risk while investigators collected evidence and interviewed witnesses. A crowd of onlookers gathered near the Royal Thai Army Academy, reflecting the shock and concern that followed the shooting. The public safety response underlines a broader commitment to rapid emergency response and coordinated action between civilian authorities and military units in metropolitan Bangkok.
Further updates are anticipated as investigators piece together timelines, motive, and the broader context of the incident. The Royal Thai Army has reiterated its focus on ensuring the safety of personnel, maintaining institutional stability, and supporting families affected by the tragedy. This event underscores ongoing concerns about security within military facilities and the importance of robust mental health resources and support systems for those serving in high-stress environments. citation: Royal Thai Army