Two Malaysian tourists suffered severe burns after a man doused them with chemical solvent and set them on fire outside a Big C shopping centre in Bangkok on 7 Aug 2025.
The incident occurred at 10pm outside the Big C shopping centre on Ratchadamri Road, opposite Central World mall.
Ong Yik Leong, 26, and Gan Xiao Zhen, 27, were sitting on the steps of the shopping centre when 30-year-old Varakorn Pubthaisong approached them.
Varakorn poured thinner from a plastic bottle onto the tourists. They immediately fled in shock.
The attacker chased after them and set them on fire.
Video footage circulating online shows bystanders rushing to help the victims. One person poured water on them to douse the flames.
Members of the public apprehended Varakorn at the scene and handed him over to police. He was beaten and kicked during the arrest.
Victims in Critical but Stable Condition at Bangkok Hospitals
Ong was admitted to the intensive care unit at Police General Hospital. Gan was taken to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.
Malaysian Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires ad interim to Thailand, Bong Yik Jui, confirmed both victims are in critical but stable condition.
“Ong sustained second-degree burns across his upper body, both front and back. The injuries are serious but not life-threatening,” Bong told Bernama on 9 Aug 2025.
“Gan suffered 36 per cent, second-degree burns, but her condition is stable and conscious.”
The embassy has contacted the victims’ families.
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan received an update from Bong on 10 Aug 2025.
Doctors have advised against the pair’s immediate return to Malaysia. Burn wounds are pressure-sensitive and must be allowed to dry first.
Family members were scheduled to arrive in Bangkok on 10 Aug 2025 afternoon. They will receive assistance from the embassy and the Foreign Ministry’s consular division.
Suspect Claims Job Loss Stress Led to Random Attack
Varakorn is currently being held at Lumpini police station.
The suspect told police he attacked the two Malaysians at random due to stress after being dismissed from his job as a security guard.
Varakorn claimed he was a former boxer who lost his income after being sacked. He told police he had not eaten that day, which intensified his stress.
Bangkok’s Lumpini police chief Yingyos Suwanno said Varakorn attacked the victims out of frustration over being unemployed.
The suspect had tried to flee the scene but was stopped by members of the public.
Varakorn faces charges for assault. Police chief Yingyos said the victims would be asked to provide information in the charging process.
