A 14-year-old boy was apprehended by Thai authorities as the suspected gunman after a shooting spree in a luxury shopping center in central Bangkok resulted in two deaths and at least four injuries.

The incident occurred at the Siam Paragon Mall in Bangkok, a bustling downtown shopping hub, which was soon plunged into chaos as gunshots rang out.

Panicked shoppers and employees sought refuge as the shooter roamed the building.

Within an hour of the incident, the Metropolitan Investigation Bureau of the Royal Thai Police took the 14-year-old into custody.

The young suspect was described as wearing a black T-shirt, thick-rimmed glasses, and a cap adorned with the American flag.

Thailand’s police chief, Torsak Sukvimol, disclosed that the boy attended school near the Siam Paragon shopping center and had a history of mental health issues.

He had recently discontinued his medication, making his motives for the attack unclear.

The victims of the attack included Chinese and Burmese nationals. Four others sustained injuries, with some in critical condition. The UK’s Foreign Office stated that no British nationals were involved.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed condolences to the victims’ families, emphasizing his concern for public safety.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes inside the mall as people scrambled to escape and find shelter.

Gun violence is common in Thailand, where firearm ownership rates are high, although mass shootings are relatively rare.

This incident follows a pattern of attacks in recent years, raising concerns about gun control and public safety. Investigations are ongoing to determine how the teenager obtained the firearm.

Siam Paragon management expressed their condolences to the victims’ families and praised the efforts of police, volunteers, and their security team for their swift response in evacuating the mall.