In a shocking incident that sent waves of fear and disbelief around the world, a horrifying shooting occurred in a Thailand mall, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives and several others injured.
Among those present during this terrifying ordeal was a Korean streamer, widely known as ‘Barbie Jini.’
The Thailand Mall Shooting: A Nightmare Unfolds
The incident transpired on the 3rd of October at the Siam Paragon mall, a bustling shopping center located in Bangkok, Thailand. The mall was filled with shoppers and diners, oblivious to the impending chaos that would soon engulf them.
Barbie Jini, a popular Korean streamer recognized by her online alias, was in the midst of a live stream on AfreecaTV. She was seemingly enjoying her time at a Japanese restaurant within the mall, casually chatting with her viewers.
As Barbie Jini interacted with her audience and sipped her drink, a sudden, deafening gunshot pierced through the air. The sound of shattering glass and panicked screams filled the background, sending shockwaves through the restaurant.
Wide-eyed and in utter shock, Barbie Jini swiftly grabbed her camera, asking in Korean, “What is it? What is it?” She, along with other patrons, began to realize the gravity of the situation as the chaos unfolded. Fear and confusion were palpable.
As the situation escalated, mall-goers started to flee in all directions, desperately seeking safety. Barbie Jini, with her camera still in hand, joined the terrified crowd, repeatedly asking in both Korean and English, “Why?” Her camera trembled as she ran, capturing the frantic moments of escape.
Amidst the chaos, Barbie Jini exclaimed in Korean, “It must be a gun!” The realization of the danger became painfully clear as she fled while screaming in fear from the epicenter of the incident.
Fortunately, Barbie Jini managed to escape the Siam Paragon mall unharmed, followed by a large group of other terrified shoppers. They put distance between themselves and the mall, breathing sighs of relief as they continued to walk away.
Seeking Answers
In the midst of the pandemonium, Barbie Jini approached another woman in the crowd, asking in English, “What’s happening? Was it a gun?”
The woman, equally bewildered, responded with confirmation, “Yeah!” as Barbie Jini reacted with disbelief.
Reflecting on the Close Call
As Barbie Jini tried to hail a taxi and leave the area, she shared with her viewers the initial uncertainty she felt when the gunshots rang out.
However, her perspective changed drastically when she witnessed a mother abandoning her stroller in sheer panic—a clear sign that the situation was dire.
“If I had been a little bit late,” Jini confessed, “I could have been in big trouble.” Her hands were visibly trembling as she recounted the terrifying experience.
Barbie Jini’s live chat had erupted into confusion and fear when the shooting occurred. Concerned viewers encouraged her to catch her breath and find safety far away from the mall, demonstrating the power of online communities in times of crisis.