Bangkok Mall Arson Attack Critically Injures Tourists

On August 7, two Malaysian tourists, Ong Yik Leong (26) and Gan Xiao Zhen (27), were critically injured after being doused with paint thinner and set on fire by Varakorn Pubthaisong, a 30-year-old unemployed former boxer and recently dismissed security guard, outside a shopping centre on Bangkok’s Ratchadamri Road. The attack occurred around 10pm as the victims sat on the mall steps, when the suspect poured thinner and ignited it. Ong suffered second-degree burns across his upper body, while Gan sustained burns covering 36% of her body. Bystanders intervened and restrained the suspect until police arrived. Ong is being treated at Police General Hospital, and Gan at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital; both are in critical but stable condition. The Malaysian embassy has notified the victims' families, and Thai police are continuing their investigation and plan to take formal statements from the victims when possible.