Crime Former Boxer Sets Fire to Two Malaysian Tourists Outside Mall

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A former boxer doused two Malaysian tourists with thinner and set them on fire outside a Major shopping mall in central Bangkok late on 7 August. The assailant was quickly restrained by bystanders at the scene.

 

Police at Lumpini Station were alerted to the violent incident near the mall on Ratchadamri Road, Pathumwan district, around 22:00. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Mr. Warakorn Pubthisong from Sa Kaeo province, was found with the thinner in a 1.5-litre plastic bottle and a lighter used in the attack.

 

The victims, Mr. Ong Yik Liang, 26 and Ms. Ken Siew Sian, 27, both Malaysian nationals, sustained burn injuries to their bodies and faces. They were rushed to Police General Hospital for treatment and are now reported to be in stable condition.

 

Eyewitnesses described seeing the suspect conversing briefly with the victims before they separated. The victims later sat on the mall steps when Mr. Warakorn approached, poured the thinner over them and ignited the liquid with a lighter. The two victims were saved by bystanders who intervened and extinguished the fires and subdued the attacker.

 

A Chinese tourist, who was approaching the area at the time, reported hearing shouting before witnessing the horrifying scene. “I saw a woman on fire, people ran to help, trying to put out the flames,” she posted on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu. She later shared footage of the aftermath, which has since gone viral.

 

During police questioning, Mr. Warakorn admitted to the assault but denied any prior dispute with the victims. He cited severe stress from unemployment as a motive. Previously a boxer, he had recently lost a job as a security guard and was struggling to find new employment. He reportedly had not eaten that day, which compounded his distress.

WARNING VIDEO SHOWS SCENES FROM THE ATTACK.

 

 

Tests showed no presence of narcotics in his system. Authorities have intially charged him with grievous bodily harm.

 

Investigations are ongoing and further charges may follow, with the Malaysian tourists expected to provide statements when their conditions improve.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-08-08

 

 

 

[Will B Good]

That is absolutely horrific.