In the northeast of Thailand yesterday afternoon, at least 20 soldiers were killed by a soldier who fired firearms in troops and shopping malls.

At the time of the incident, there were eight Koreans in the mall, but fortunately it was reported that they had escaped with the help of local police.

Thailand's health minister said at least 20 people were killed and 31 wounded in the incident.

Ten of the wounded said they were taken to hospital in serious condition.

Thai officials have not yet said whether the killer was found or arrested.

The incident began yesterday at about 3:30 pm local chiefs of Zaklapan Tomma were shot dead within a nearby military unit in Nakhon Ratchasima City, northeastern Thailand, with guns and commanding mother-in-law.

Admiral Zaklapan seized the weapon from the unit's arsenal, stole the military vehicle, and arrived at a mall in the city around 6 pm.

The killer went on to the mall and was reportedly confronted by a special force who captured and held hostages on one floor.

There are reports of 16 hostages locally.

He broadcast live shots of firearms in a shopping mall on Facebook, and even shot himself with a 'selfie'.

Thai authorities say they secured the entire mall just before 12 pm and evacuated the people inside the mall.

There were eight Koreans in the mall, but all escaped safely, the South Korean Embassy in Thailand said.

A total of eight people, including children from a local missionary and acquaintances who visited for missions, evacuated from the fourth floor without leaving the mall after the incident.

The embassy confirmed all eight Koreans who had escaped and said, "We have not seen any Koreans but I have not heard of Koreans or Korean hostages who have not yet escaped."

The embassy told a local police officer that they were told that no foreign casualties were identified and only Thai casualties were found.

A Thai police say the police believe the offender committed the crime because of anger over land-related disputes.

(Photo = Yonhap News)