2025-08-09T02:39:00Z

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In a chilling twist of fate, two Malaysian tourists found themselves in a nightmarish ordeal in Bangkok when a man allegedly set them ablaze in a shocking act of violence. This harrowing incident unfolded on Thursday night, August 7, and has left many questioning the safety of travelers in bustling cities.

The victims, 26-year-old Ong Yik Leong and 27-year-old Gan Xiao Zhen, were simply enjoying their time when disaster struck. They were sitting on the steps of the Big C shopping center, conveniently located across from the famous Central World mall on Ratchadamri Road, when the unthinkable happened. A man, later identified as Varakorn Pubthaisong, 30, lurked behind them, pouring thinner over them before igniting a fire that would change their lives forever.

In a horrifying turn of events, the tourists rushed away in panic, but Varakorn allegedly pursued them, setting them alight. Local media, including the Bangkok Post, reported the shocking details of the incident, which has left a stain on what should have been a joyful trip.

As fate would have it, the Malaysian Embassy in Thailand reported that both victims are currently in critical but stable condition. Ong has been placed in the intensive care unit at Police General Hospital, suffering from second-degree burns across his upper body, while Gan has also been hospitalized at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital with serious second-degree burns covering 36 percent of her body.

In the aftermath of this attack, Bangkok’s Lumpini police chief Yingyos Suwanno confirmed that Varakorn is now in police custody and will be charged accordingly. The investigation aims to gather more information from the victims to build a case against him. According to police reports, Varakorn explained his actions as stemming from frustration over being unemployed. He claimed to be a former boxer who was recently let go from his job as a security guard. This tragic decision he made in a moment of rage has resulted in a life-altering situation for the victims.

As the community rallies around the victims, one cannot help but ponder: What drives a person to commit such a heinous act? And what measures can be taken to ensure the safety of not only tourists but everyone in our cities?