2 Malaysian tourists set on fire in Bangkok

Published: 3:08pm, 9 Aug 2025Updated: 4:53pm, 9 Aug 2025

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

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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.

A screengrab from a video shows the suspect, later identified as Varakorn Pubthaisong, a former boxer. Photo: Handout
A screengrab from a video shows the suspect, later identified as Varakorn Pubthaisong, a former boxer. Photo: Handout

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.

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