Two Malaysian tourists were seriously injured in a horrifying attack outside a Bangkok shopping centre on Thursday night after a former boxer and unemployed security guard doused them with thinner and set them on fire.
The incident occurred around 10pm at the steps of Big C Ratchadamri, where the victims, Ong Yik Leong, 26, and Gan Xiao Zhen, 27, were seated when the suspect, identified as Varakorn Pubthaisong, approached from behind and poured the flammable liquid onto them from a plastic bottle.
According to Lumpini police chief Pol Col Yingyos Suwanno, the tourists fled in panic but were pursued by the suspect, who then set them ablaze.
Onlookers managed to apprehend Mr. Varakorn before police arrived at the scene. He was taken into custody and is currently being held at Lumpini police station.
Both victims suffered serious burns. Ong Yik Leong was rushed to the intensive care unit at Police General Hospital, while Gan Xiao Zhen was admitted to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.
Police confirmed that the tourists are now in stable condition and will be interviewed as part of the investigation. Charges are being prepared against the suspect.
Mr. Varakorn admitted to police that he had been under severe emotional stress after being fired from his job as a security guard, leaving him without income.
He claimed the attack was random and carried out in a moment of desperation. He faces charges of assault causing serious harm.
