KUALA LUMPUR — Tunku Mahkota of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and his family finally breathed a sigh of relief following a harrowing experience of being close to where a deadly shooting took place near Bangkok’s Siam Paragon Mall, yesterday.
Taking to Facebook, early this morning, the Johor crown prince recapped the events surrounding the incident, which killed two individuals and injured five others.
“People were shouting and running into the hotel from the mall when the shooter started firing.
“It was loud and there was a lot of screaming. We were all sitting in the hotel lobby at that time.
“We carried the kids/family to safety, running to the basement with my team, and the only thing on my mind was how many shooters were there, what weapons they had and what was the situation.
“We had to be on alert and be prepared for any circumstance because all we knew at that point were the gunshots we heard.
“We didn’t have any other information and had to be ready for anything,” his royal highness said.
Tunku Ismail had travelled with his wife and children to the neighbouring country to catch Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT)’s AFC match against Thai club BG Pathum United, which the royal family subsequently missed as a result of the shooting.
“I still have images of me telling my kids, everything is going to be okay. Babah and Mama are here, and telling them to get down while waiting for the car.”
Tunku Ismail also recalled when his security team and himself had formed a human shield to protect his wife and children “at all cost”.
“The idea was to get the family and my team out of there. My wife hugged all our kids, staying low and trying to calm them because they were terrified and were crying.”
He then ordered his security team to get their vehicles to the hotel basement and secure a location away from the area.
While Tunku Ismail ordered his team to get them to the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok, his driver told them the Singapore Embassy was nearer and headed there instead.
He also informed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan of the situation during that time.
“Sadly, I missed the JDT game but I’m glad my family and our team are safe.
“This is the worst experience I’ve ever gone through. Protecting the lives of my children from a killer. Two people died. May God bless their innocent souls.
“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 added.
Subsequently, Tunku Ismail and his family landed in Johor safely following his tweet at 3am, today. — October 4, 2023
Landed in Johor. Home sweet home. Alhamdulillah 🤲🏻💙♥️
— HRH Crown Prince of Johor (@HRHJohorII) October 3, 2023