BANGKOK – A disgruntled ex-boxer unleashed a horrifying attack on two Malaysian tourists in downtown Bangkok late Thursday night, dousing them with a flammable chemical and setting them alight in an apparent fit of rage over his unemployment.

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The incident occurred around 10 p.m. outside the Big C shopping center on Ratchadamri Road, where Varakorn Pubthaisong, a former boxer and recently fired security guard, allegedly approached Ong Yik Leong, 26, and Gan Xiao Zhen, 27, as they sat on the stairs. Without warning, he poured a chemical solvent—believed to be paint thinner—over them before chasing the fleeing victims and igniting the liquid.

Lumpini Police Chief Pol. Col. Yingyos Suwanno confirmed that bystanders apprehended the suspect as he attempted to escape. The victims suffered severe burns, with Ong rushed to the ICU at Police General Hospital and Gan receiving emergency care at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Both are now in stable condition and will assist police with their investigation.

Two Malaysians were critically injured after being set on fire near a Bangkok mall. A 30-year-old man, frustrated over unemployment, poured thinner on them and ignited it. He was caught by the public.https://t.co/kw3mQRhNja#Bangkok #Malaysia #TouristSafety pic.twitter.com/Dv3TT8LvXW

— The Borneo Post (@theborneopost) August 8, 2025

During interrogation, Varakorn admitted to the unprovoked assault, citing extreme stress after losing his job as a security guard. “He claimed financial desperation drove him to lash out randomly,” Pol. Col. Yingyos stated. The suspect now faces serious assault charges, with authorities exploring additional penalties given the brutality of the attack.

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The shocking assault has raised concerns over public safety in one of Bangkok’s busiest districts. Police have vowed to intensify patrols in tourist-heavy areas while mental health advocates highlight the dangers of unchecked aggression among Thailand’s marginalized workforce.

-Thailand News (TN)