2 Malaysian tourists set on fire in Bangkok

Two Malaysian tourists were doused with paint thinner and set alight outside one of Bangkok’s busiest shopping centres earlier this week.

The victims are receiving medical treatment and are in a critical but stable condition, according to the Bernama news agency, which cited Chargé d’Affaires ad interim to Thailand, Bong Yik Jui.

Police have arrested a suspect, identified as Varakorn Pubthaisong, 30, who reportedly targeted the pair out of frustration over unemployment.

The suspect told police he was a former boxer who had recently lost his job as a security guard, Lumpini police chief Yingyos Suwanno told local media.

Eyewitnesses said members of the public intervened and stopped Varakorn as he attempted to flee the scene.

The two victims, Ong Yik Leong, 26, and Gan Xiao Zhen, 27, were reportedly resting on the steps outside the Big C shopping centre opposite Central World mall on Thursday night when the suspect allegedly approached from behind and poured thinner over them.