4-10-2023 (BANGKOK) In a shocking incident at the Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok on Tuesday, two Chinese nationals lost their lives, while others sustained injuries. The victims, whose family members revealed the harrowing details to local media, were caught in the crossfire as the shooting unfolded on the mall’s second-floor women’s restroom. The deceased individual, a Chinese national, happened to be the aunt of a 16-year-old girl, whose mother is also among the injured.
The victims had intended to return to China on Wednesday at 3 am, but their plans were tragically disrupted by the incident. The 16-year-old girl, using the alias Li Yi, recounted the terrifying events that unfolded. She and her family members were in the mall, preparing to use the restroom when the shooting began. It all happened in an instant, as they had been inside the restroom for less than a minute when they heard the first gunshot.
Li Yi vividly remembered the subsequent shots and the growing realization of the dangerous situation. In their bid to seek safety, they rushed into one of the restroom stalls, cramming into the last one available. Outside, 34-year-old Zhao, Li Yi’s aunt, and two other women lay injured. Amid the chaos, they had no opportunity to check on their condition, but they observed Zhao bleeding from her mouth.
Miraculously, Li Yi escaped with minor scratches, while her mother was transported to a hospital, where she remains in stable condition without life-threatening injuries. Li Yi had planned to visit her mother in the hospital on Wednesday, undoubtedly seeking comfort and reassurance.
The victims were on a trip to Thailand, and they were all friends, enjoying their time together. Li Yi fondly described her aunt as a kind-hearted individual. The aunt’s husband and their 5-year-old twin daughters were also present during the incident. The young children, in their innocence, asked someone a heartbreaking question during the chaos, “Will mommy die?” As of now, they are under the care of their father, unaware of their mother’s fate.
This heart-wrenching incident in Bangkok has left a family shattered, raising questions about the safety and security measures at public places in the bustling city. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the immediate impact such events have on those left behind.
