At least 12 people have been shot dead and many injured by a Thai soldier in the city of Nakhon Ratchasima, police say, BBC News reported.

A defense ministry spokesman told BBC Thai that Jakraphanth Thomma, a junior officer, had attacked his commanding officer before stealing a gun and ammunition from a military camp.

He then opened fire at a Buddhist temple and a shopping centre in the city, northeast of Bangkok.

The suspect is still at large.