A brave policeman enters the shopping mall where a gunman who has killed at least 16 people is holding terrified people hostage.

The unmanned officer was seen holding a semi-automatic handgun as he stalked the empty floors of the building in the city of Korat, Nakhon Ratchasima province, northern Thailand.

The killer - Sergeant Major Jakrapanth Thomma - killed three at an army camp then opened fire at the Terminal 21 building in the city of Korat, Nakhon Ratchasima province, shortly before 6 pm.

A brave policeman enters the shopping mall where a gunman who has killed at least 16 people is holding terrified people hostage.

The unmanned officer was seen holding a semi-automatic handgun as he stalked the empty floors of the building in the city o9f Korat, Nakhon Ratchasima province, northern Thailand.

The killer - Sergeant Major Jakrapanth Thomma - killed three at an army camp then opened fire at the Terminal 21 building in the city of Korat, Nakhon Ratchasima province, shortly before 6pm.

He shot a gas tank causing an explosion and fire then killed shoppers, pedestrians and motorists with a rifle and machine gun.

The shooter then walked into the mall and took people hostage while hundreds fled outside or hid in dark rooms. Horrifying footage from onlookers shows the masks shooter - who is still ACTIVE - picking people off with a rifle.

At least two police officers have been killed. Many more are believed to be injured after the shooting spree, during the busiest time of the week. Pictures show the bloodbath with bodies littered across the roads near the shopping centre and slumped in their cars.

Police and military have raced to the scene while the monitor CCTV from inside the building. At least one officer armed with a semi-automatic handgun has entered the building in search of the killer.

Colonel Kritsana Pattanacharoen said the military knew about the shooter identity and insisted people to stay away from the scene.

Major General Apirat Kongsompong said he had ordered all available police and military units in the area to attend the scene.