Police cordon off Bangkok market as investigators examine scene of deadly mass shooting incident.
A fatal shooting spree at a popular fresh market in Bangkok killed at least six individuals and injured another on Monday, Thai authorities have confirmed. The shooting took place at Or Tor Kor Market, a popular site located near Chatuchak Market that deals in farm produce and local food.
As reported by Reuters, four of the victims were security guards who were on duty at the market. A female was among the fatalities, according to a report by Erawan Emergency Medical Centre, which monitors emergency cases among Bangkok hospitals.
Officials said the shooter killed himself following the rampage. "Police are investigating the motive. So far it's a mass shooting," Bangkok's Bang Sue district deputy police chief Worapat Sukthai said to AFP. His words were seconded by Metropolitan Police Bureau Deputy Commissioner Charin Gopatta, who said to Reuters the death of the gunman is part of the death toll.
Although the motive behind the attack is still unknown, officials indicated they are investigating any possible link between the shooting and "recent border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand," as reported by Worapat Sukthai to AFP.
Such incidents are not rare in Thailand, as gun control legislation is loosely practiced and access to guns is comparatively simple.
