BANGKOK — A shocking incident stunned tourists and locals alike outside a shopping mall at Ratchaprasong intersection in downtown Bangkok late Thursday night, when a Thai man doused two Malaysian tourists with paint thinner and set them on fire in an unprovoked attack. Bystanders subdued the assailant at the scene.
Lumpini Police Station officers responded to the incident at 10:00 PM and identified the perpetrator as Warakorn Pabtaisong, 30, from Sa Kaeo province. Police recovered evidence including a 1.5-liter plastic bottle of paint thinner and a lighter. The victims, a Malaysian couple, aged 26 and 27, suffered burn injuries to their bodies and faces and were taken to Police Hospital for treatment.
According to eyewitnesses, Warakorn was seen talking with the two victims before they separated. The Malaysian tourists later sat on the mall steps, where Warakorn approached them, poured thinner over both victims, and ignited them with his lighter as they tried to flee. Onlookers quickly intervened and restrained the attacker until police arrived.
During questioning at Lumpini Police Station, Warakorn confessed to the attack, stating he had no prior grievance against the victims. He attributed his actions to severe stress from unemployment and hunger.
The former boxer had recently worked as a security guard but was recently terminated and was struggling to find new employment. He told police he hadn’t eaten that day, which intensified his stress and led to the assault.
Investigators are proceeding with charges of attempted bodily harm. Drug tests on the suspect came back negative. Police have coordinated with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to assist in the investigation and discuss support measures.
Both Malaysian tourists are now in stable condition, and authorities plan to take additional statements from them as the investigation continues.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong later expressed condolences following the incident and is also coordinating with the Malaysian Embassy, hospitals, insurance companies, and police agencies.
He has ordered Tourist Police and security agencies to provide urgent assistance and implement stricter safety measures in key tourist areas.
The Ministry is coordinating compensation applications under the foreign tourist assistance program and has deployed Tourist Assistance Center staff to monitor the victims’ medical treatment. Ministry executives also plan to visit the injured tourists for moral support once doctors permit.
“I ask that the injured and their families receive encouragement and be assured that Thailand will care for and protect all tourists with full capacity, so that Thailand remains a safe and attractive destination,” Minister Sorawong stated.
_______________
