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Bangkok Police Hold Suspect in Custody After Malaysian Tourists Set Ablaze

Ong and Gan are being treated in Bangkok hospitals after sustaining second-degree burns.

A screengrab of the suspect, later identified as Varakorn Pubthaisong, a former boxer. Photo: Handout
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Overview

  • Varakorn Pubthaisong, 30, was apprehended by bystanders and is now held at Lumpini Police Station as authorities prepare formal charges.
  • The assault unfolded around 10 p.m. on Aug. 7 at the steps of the Big C shopping centre opposite Central World mall on Ratchadamri Road.
  • Ong Yik Leong, 26, is in the ICU at Police General Hospital with second-degree burns across his upper body; Gan Xiao Zhen, 27, has 36 per cent burns and is stable at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.
  • Police chief Yingyos Suwanno said the suspect, a former boxer and security guard, targeted the tourists out of frustration over his unemployment.
  • Malaysian Embassy chargé d’affaires ad interim Bong Yik Jui has informed the victims’ families and is providing ongoing consular assistance.