Thailand: Tourists doused with flammable liquid and set on fire in Bangkok

An unemployed Thai man sprayed two Malaysian tourists with paint thinner and set them ablaze in Bangkok.

The shocking incident stunned tourists and locals outside a shopping mall at Ratchaprasong intersection in downtown Bangkok late on Thursday night, August 7.

Shocking attack in the heart of Bangkok

People help Malaysian tourists set on fire by a Thai man outside a shopping mall in the Ratchadamri district of Bangkok on August 7, 2025.

Officers from Lumpini Police Station responded at 10 p.m. and identified the perpetrator as Warakorn Pabtaisong, 30, from Sa Kaeo province.

Police recovered evidence including a 1.5-litre plastic bottle of paint thinner and a lighter.

According to eyewitnesses, Warakorn was seen talking to the two victims before they separated.

The Malaysian tourists then sat on the steps of the mall, where Warakorn approached them, poured paint thinner on the victims before setting them alight with his lighter as they tried to flee.

Passersby quickly intervened and restrained the attacker until the police arrived.

During his interrogation at Lumpini Police Station, Warakorn confessed to the act, saying he had no grievances against the victims.

He attributed his actions to the intense stress caused by unemployment and hunger.

The former boxer had recently worked as a security guard, but had been laid off and was struggling to find new employment.

He told police that he had not eaten that day, which had intensified his stress and led him to commit the act.

Investigators are continuing their investigations into attempted physical assault.

Drug tests conducted on the suspect came back negative.

The police coordinated their efforts with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to facilitate the investigation and discuss support measures.

Malaysian tourists hospitalized in Bangkok

Rescuers transport victims to hospital after the incident in Bangkok on August 7, 2025.

The victims, a Malaysian couple aged 26 and 27, were taken to the police hospital for treatment.

They had burns all over their faces, front and back of their torsos, right arm and left leg.

Doctors are still monitoring them closely to prevent any infection.

They are now in stable condition and authorities plan to take additional statements as the investigation continues.

Reaction and measures of the Thai authorities

Police found the unemployed former boxer being restrained by witnesses outside a shopping mall in Bangkok's Ratchadamri district on August 7, 2025.

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong expressed his sympathy and support to the victims following the incident and is also coordinating efforts with the Malaysian Embassy, ​​hospitals, insurance companies and police departments.

He ordered tourist police and security services to provide emergency assistance and implement stricter security measures in key tourist areas.

The ministry is coordinating compensation claims under the Foreign Tourist Assistance Program and has deployed staff from the Tourist Assistance Center to monitor the medical treatment of victims.

Ministry officials also plan to visit the injured tourists to provide moral support as soon as doctors allow.

"I ask that the injured and their families be encouraged and assured that Thailand will take care of and protect all tourists with all the means at its disposal, so that Thailand remains a safe and attractive destination," Sorawong said.

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Source: Khaosod English