Bangkok was shaken on Thursday night when a random act of violence left two Malaysian tourists with severe burns and fighting for their lives. The incident unfolded outside one of the Thai capital’s busiest shopping centres, a location usually buzzing with shoppers, street vendors, and tourists.
The victims, 26-year-old Ong Yik Leong and 27-year-old Gan Xiao Zhen, had been enjoying a quiet evening when an attacker identified as 30-year-old Boxer Varakorn Pubthaisong approached from behind carrying a plastic bottle filled with paint thinner. In an act that witnesses later described as both deliberate and frenzied, he doused them in the flammable liquid before setting them on fire.
The scene descended into chaos within seconds. Flames erupted, screams filled the air, and onlookers rushed in confusion to help. Some tried to smother the fire with clothing, while others called emergency services. Even as the victims attempted to flee in panic, the attacker chased after them, showing an intent to prolong the violence.
It was only through the intervention of members of the public that the assault was stopped. The suspect was restrained on the spot and handed over to the police, marking the beginning of a criminal case that has since captured headlines in both Thailand and Malaysia.
A Detailed Account of the Attack
The attack occurred just after 10pm, a time when Bangkok’s nightlife and shopping culture are still in full swing. Witnesses recalled seeing the suspect approach the tourists in a calm but purposeful manner. Without saying a word, he produced the bottle of paint thinner and poured it over both individuals. Moments later, he ignited the liquid, causing an instant burst of flames that engulfed their upper bodies.
In the immediate aftermath, the two victims tried to run, but the assailant pursued them, apparently determined to cause further harm. The heat and intensity of the fire left them with severe burns before help arrived. Local police later confirmed that the attacker had no prior connection to the victims, making the incident entirely unprovoked.
Eyewitness videos, though not yet officially released, are reported to show the full sequence of the attack. Police have acknowledged the existence of the footage but are withholding it for investigative purposes.
BANGKOK, 9 Ogos – Dua pelancong Malaysia mengalami kecederaan serius selepas dibakar secara rawak oleh seorang lelaki yang merupakan penganggur di Jalan Ratchadamri di sini, kelmarin.
— Berita KS (@berita_ks) August 9, 2025
Ketua Polis Lumpini, Yingyos Suwanno berkata, kejadian berlaku ketika Ong Yik Leong, 26, dan… pic.twitter.com/LDOOb0Mqho
Emergency responders transported the victims to separate hospitals due to the severity of their injuries. Ong Yik Leong was admitted to the intensive care unit at Police General Hospital, suffering from second-degree burns on the upper body, both front and back. His injuries were described by medical staff as serious but not life-threatening. Gan Xiao Zhen was taken to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, where doctors confirmed she had sustained second-degree burns over 36 percent of her body, requiring extensive treatment.
The Suspect: Varakorn Pubthaisong
Police identified the attacker as 30-year-old Varakorn Pubthaisong, a former boxer who had recently lost his job as a security guard. During questioning, Varakorn admitted to the assault and told investigators that he had been struggling with stress and frustration stemming from his unemployment. Authorities believe this emotional turmoil may have triggered the violent outburst, though the randomness of the attack remains deeply troubling.
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According to Lumpini police chief Yingyos Suwanno, Varakorn showed no signs of knowing the victims prior to the incident. This lack of connection has intensified the shock and fear surrounding the case, particularly among tourists and locals who frequent the area. The idea that such violence could occur without warning has prompted calls for increased public safety measures in Bangkok’s high-traffic zones.
Varakorn Pubthaisong’s background as a trained boxer has also been noted in reports, raising questions about his physical capabilities and mindset at the time of the attack. His recent job loss and mental state are expected to be central points of examination as the legal process moves forward. Police are preparing to charge him with assault, with the potential for more serious charges depending on the victims’ long-term medical outcomes.
Diplomatic and Medical Response
The Malaysian embassy in Thailand acted swiftly following the attack. Acting chargé d’affaires Bong Yik Jui visited the hospitals where the victims are being treated and provided updates to the media. He confirmed that Ong’s burns, though severe, are not life-threatening, while Gan’s condition remains critical due to the extent of her injuries.
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan also addressed the incident, explaining that both victims would need to remain in Thailand for treatment because burn wounds require careful, pressure-sensitive care that cannot be disrupted by long travel. He emphasized that doctors have advised against their immediate return home, as premature movement could risk infection or complications.
The families of both victims are expected to arrive in Bangkok to provide emotional support and to work closely with Malaysian diplomatic staff. The embassy has pledged to assist in any way necessary, including liaising with Thai authorities on the legal proceedings against Varakorn Pubthaisong.
Thai police, meanwhile, have reassured the public that the suspect remains securely in custody at Lumpini Police Station. Once the victims are stable enough to give detailed statements, these will be recorded to aid in building the case. The unprovoked nature of the attack has triggered a wave of concern among both locals and visitors. Bangkok, while a major tourist destination, has not been immune to sporadic incidents of violence, but this case has stood out due to its sheer brutality and randomness.
Tourism operators have expressed sympathy for the victims and urged authorities to review safety protocols in popular public spaces. Discussions have emerged about increasing the presence of security personnel, improving surveillance coverage, and providing more public awareness about how to respond in emergency situations.
Local residents have also voiced frustration about the lack of accessible mental health services for individuals facing unemployment or personal crises. Several commentators have pointed to this case as a tragic example of how untreated emotional distress can escalate into public danger.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
Police are moving forward with charges against Varakorn Pubthaisong, beginning with assault but potentially escalating to attempted murder depending on the investigation’s findings. Prosecutors will rely heavily on eyewitness testimony, medical reports, and any video evidence available.
The Thai legal system is expected to handle the case with significant attention due to the international dimension — the victims being foreign nationals and the diplomatic interest from Malaysia. Any conviction could result in a lengthy prison sentence, especially given the severity of the injuries inflicted.
As the investigation continues, both victims remain hospitalized, with medical teams focusing on stabilizing their conditions and preventing infection. Burn treatment is a long and painful process, often requiring multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and months of rehabilitation. The road to recovery will be both physically and emotionally challenging for Ong and Gan.
The attack on two Malaysian tourists in Bangkok by an unemployed former boxer has shocked communities across Thailand and Malaysia. What began as an ordinary evening in a bustling shopping district ended in flames, pain, and a cross-border criminal investigation. The victims, now under intensive care, represent not only the human cost of random violence but also the urgent need for better mental health support, public safety measures, and swift justice.
Authorities in both countries continue to coordinate efforts to ensure the victims receive the best possible medical care and that the perpetrator faces the full weight of the law. For now, Bangkok remains unsettled by the knowledge that such an incident could occur in the heart of its tourist hubs, and the hope is that lessons learned from this tragedy will help prevent similar events in the future.