In a shocking turn of events, the bustling Siam Paragon mall in Bangkok was thrown into chaos as gunshots reverberated through its halls.
This incident, which unfolded on a seemingly ordinary Tuesday, left at least 2 people dead and several others injured.
The Terrifying Scene Unfolds
The tranquility of a routine shopping day was shattered when the sound of gunshots echoed throughout the Siam Paragon mall.
Hundreds of shoppers, enjoying their time amid high-end retail stores, were suddenly thrust into a state of panic. The situation escalated rapidly, and the shoppers fled for their lives, seeking safety wherever they could find it.
Authorities Swiftly Respond
The Thai authorities, including the Central Investigation Bureau and the local police, sprang into action. Their prompt response was crucial in containing the unfolding crisis.
A 14-year-old male, identified as the alleged shooter, was apprehended by the police on the third floor of the Siam Kempinski Hotel, adjacent to the mall.
CCTV footage captured the intense moments as the alleged shooter knelt with his hands on his head, surrounded by three officers.
The tension was palpable, and one officer decisively tackled him to the floor. The quick and coordinated response of the law enforcement agencies undoubtedly prevented further harm.
The Mysterious Gunman
Images of the supposed gunman circulated widely on social media, providing a glimpse into the individual responsible for the terror.
Clad in camouflage pants, a brown hat, a black jacket, and military shoes, the alleged shooter appeared to be well-prepared for his sinister act. In one particularly chilling photo, he seemed to be holding a handgun.
Panic and Pandemonium
Videos and photos posted on social media platforms depicted the frantic scenes within the mall as shoppers rushed towards the exits.
Emergency services later confirmed that at least 2 people lost their lives in the incident, with an additional three sustaining injuries. Emerging reports suggest that one of the injured victims was a foreigner.
Stories of Survival
Amidst the chaos, stories of courage and resilience emerged. Shoppers who couldn’t reach the exits sought refuge inside stores, bracing themselves for the uncertainty that lay ahead.
A poignant video captured the sight of men, women, and children hurriedly making their way out of a grocery shop, their faces etched with fear and determination.
The impact of the incident extended beyond the mall’s confines. A nearby train station was closed, and the public was advised to steer clear of the area. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his concern, assuring the nation that he had been informed of the situation.
He further directed National Police Chief Torsak Sukwimon to provide regular updates on the ongoing investigation.
@gift_gibby คือตกใจมาก นั่งอยู่ร้าน KFC ชั้น G 😨 แล้วคนวิ่งกรูกันออกมา เลยวิ่งออกมาตาม พอวิ่งออกมาเลยสอบถาม เค้าบอกมียิงกัน #ยิง #siamparagon #paragon ♬ เสียงต้นฉบับ – 😚 Gift 😊
#พารากอน ตอนนี้ มีรายงานว่าได้ยินเสียงปืน ล่าสุดได้ยินเสียงแตกตื่นที่ #สยาม pic.twitter.com/tyLaADBA2c
— เชือก โชติช่วย (@Chuek_Chot) October 3, 2023
คือเกิดไรขึ้นอะไร #พารากอน pic.twitter.com/lN15oxGa68
— D.weii_ (@Dweii_ii) October 3, 2023
Panic at Paragon as shoppers flee mall after hearing what sounds like gunfire.#พารากอน #paragon #Bangkok pic.twitter.com/Dj8eFsz0jU
— ᒍᑌᔕT ᗰIKE (@_MikeMcKay) October 3, 2023
ฺ#BREAKING: Gunfire heard in Siam Paragon mall
— The Nation Thailand (@Thenationth) October 3, 2023
A shooting incident has been reported at Siam Paragan department store in downtown Bangkok on Tuesday afternoon. There are no reports of any casualties. BTS Siam station has been closed to the public.
ฺ #พารากอน #Paragon pic.twitter.com/y7sMwHRR1p
จับคนร้ายได้เเล้วครับ ทุกคน !!! #พารากอน#siamparagon pic.twitter.com/akBE2yONQR
— 𝗗 𝗘 𝗘 𝗡 ♡ (@DEENWCRP) October 3, 2023