In a harrowing turn of events, Johor’s crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim disclosed that he and his family were in close proximity to the shooting incident at Bangkok’s Siam Paragon mall on Tuesday, October 3. Following the incident, the family sought safety at the Singapore embassy in Bangkok.
A Close Call
The shooting, which took place on Tuesday afternoon, resulted in the tragic deaths of two women, one from China and the other from Myanmar. Additionally, five individuals were injured. Thai authorities have since apprehended a 14-year-old believed to be the gunman.
In a detailed Instagram story shared late Tuesday night, Tunku Ismail recounted the traumatic events. He, along with his wife Che’ Puan Besar Khaleeda and their four children, were in a hotel lobby near the mall when chaos ensued. They heard the alarming sounds of people “shouting and running” as the shooter began his rampage.
Describing the terrifying moments, Tunku Ismail wrote, “We carried the kids/family to safety, running to the basement with my team… the only thing on my mind was how many shooters were there, what weapons they had and what was the situation.”
A Race to Safety
The crown prince, prioritizing the safety of his family, instructed his security team to form a “human shield” around them. The immediate goal was to evacuate the family and his team from the vicinity. Tunku Ismail’s wife, Che’ Puan Besar Khaleeda, tried to console their terrified children amidst the chaos.
Initially, Tunku Ismail intended to head to the Malaysian embassy. However, upon learning that the Singapore embassy was closer, he promptly contacted the Singapore Consul General in Johor for assistance. “Now we’re here safe in the (Singapore) Embassy,” he confirmed.
Following the incident, Tunku Ismail reached out to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Defence Minister Mohamad Hasan, informing them of the situation and expressing his intention to return to Johor once safety was assured.
Gratitude Amidst Trauma
Reflecting on the traumatic experience, Tunku Ismail expressed his profound gratitude to his security team and friends from both Singapore and Malaysia. “Alhamdulillah, we’re safe. Thanks to my security team and our friends from Singapore and Malaysia. I will forever be grateful to all of you,” he shared.
Che’ Puan Besar Khaleeda, in a subsequent Instagram story post, echoed her husband’s sentiments, expressing her gratitude for the safety of her family and entourage. “Syukur Alhamdullilah everyone from our family and entourage are safe and sound. Thank you very much for your prayers, well wishes and kind thoughts,” she wrote.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of security and quick thinking in times of crisis.
Also learn about Teenage Gunman Terrorizes Bangkok Mall, Leaving 3 Dead.
