Thailand shooting: Soldier who killed 26 is shot dead

A soldier who killed 26 people in a gun rampage in the Thai city of Nakhon Ratchasima has been shot dead by the security forces, Thai police say.

Jakraphanth Thomma on Saturday killed his commanding officer before stealing weapons from a military camp.

The suspect continued his attack on the streets and in a shopping centre in Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Korat.

The gunman, who posted material to social media, was shot dead after being cornered all night in the building.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha gave the higher death toll on Sunday, an increase from an earlier figure of 20. Fifty-seven people are wounded.

“It is unprecedented in Thailand, and I want this to be the last time this crisis happens,” he said, after visiting the wounded at a hospital in Nakhon Ratchasima.

He said the motive for the attack appeared to be Jakraphanth’s grudge after believing he had been cheated over a property deal.

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul posted on his Facebook page on Sunday morning, congratulating the security forces for their actions in the north-eastern Thai town.

“Thank you police and army for ending the situation. Shooter shot dead!!!”