BANGKOK, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Thai Defense Ministry spokesman Lt. Gen. Kongcheep Tantravanich on Saturday night confirmed 20 deaths so far from the shooting spree carnage by a junior army soldier in northeastern Thailand.

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who arrived at the Nakorn Ratchasima Hospital where the injured were being treated, told the media that 31 people were injured, with 4 in critical condition.

National police chief Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda who also arrived in Nakorn Ratchasima, told the media that 16 were still being held hostage by the gunman at the Terminal 21 shopping center.

A Thai soldier on Saturday went on a shooting rampage in Nakorn Ratchasima, stole a Humvee from his base, then proceeded to shoot at shoppers inside a mall. He also took a selfie during the attack, and posted on social media.

Police is still negotiating with the suspect on the hostages.