Arsonist, formerly a boxer, torches two Malaysian vacationers in Bangkok's city center
In a shocking incident that took place on the evening of August 7, 2025, a former boxer named Varakorn Pubthaisong, aged 30, set two Malaysian tourists on fire outside the Big C shopping centre on Ratchadamri Road, Bangkok.
The victims, Ong Yik Leong (26) and Gan Xiao Zhen (27), were sitting on the stairs of the shopping centre when Varakorn, who was reportedly unemployed and frustrated, poured a chemical solvent from a plastic bottle onto them. The unsuspecting tourists were engulfed in flames, causing them to run in shock.
The incident was captured by bystanders who quickly intervened and managed to apprehend Varakorn before he could escape. The suspect was then handed over to the Lumpini police station where he is currently in custody.
Both victims were immediately hospitalized with serious but stable conditions. Ong Yik Leong was admitted to the ICU at Police General Hospital due to second-degree burns, while Gan Xiao Zhen was taken to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital with burns covering 36% of her body.
The Lumpini police chief, Pol Col Yingyos Suwanno, confirmed the incident on Friday and stated that the victims are safe. He also confirmed that the suspect, Varakorn, admitted to the police that he was a former boxer and acted out of stress due to unemployment.
The police investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities interviewing the victims as part of legal proceedings. The latest update is that the police are planning to ask the victims for more information as they are in the process of charging the suspect.
This unfortunate incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers that can arise from frustration and desperation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims as they recover from their injuries.
[1] Lumpini police confirm arrest of former boxer for setting Malaysian tourists on fire [2] Two Malaysian tourists hospitalized after being set on fire in Bangkok [3] Unemployment frustration leads to violent attack on Malaysian tourists in Bangkok [4] Former boxer charged with assault after setting tourists on fire in Bangkok [5] Lumpini police release statement on attack on Malaysian tourists by unemployed former boxer
- The shocking incident of crime-and-justice that occurred in Bangkok on August 7, 2025, has resulted in a general-news story about the arrest of a former boxer, Varakorn Pubthaisong, for setting two Malaysian tourists on fire.
- The tragic event of a violent attack on two Malaysian tourists in Bangkok, which left them hospitalized with serious injuries, is now gaining attention in the realm of politics due to the unemployment frustration that allegedly drove the attacker to such extreme actions.
