TWO Malaysian tourists were critically injured after being set on fire by an unemployed man on Ratchadamri Road in Bangkok, Thailand.
According to reports, the incident occurred at around 10pm on Thursday when the suspect, reportedly a former boxer, came up from behind and poured thinner onto the pair who were seated on the steps of the Big C shopping centre.
According to the Bangkok Post, the victims were identified as Ong Yik Leong, 26, and Gan Xiao Zhen, 27.
The two tourists ran away in shock and the suspect chased them before setting fire to them, the officer added.
The Malaysian Embassy's Chargé d'Affaires ad interim to Thailand, Bong Yik Jui, said he had visited the victims, who remain in critical but stable condition.
He said Ong was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Police General Hospital, while Gan is receiving treatment at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.
Ong sustained second-degree burns across his upper body, both front and back. The injuries are considered serious but not life-threatening.
Gan suffered 36 per cent, second-degree burns, but her condition is stable and conscious.
Reports said the suspect identified as Varakorn Pubthaisong set fire to the visitors out of frustration that he was out of a job.
Varakorn tried to escape but was captured by passers-by and is currently being held at Lumpini police station. – August 9, 2025
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