2 M'sians set on fire in Bangkok outside Big C supermarket, suspect says it was due to stress after being sacked

Two Malaysian tourists were set on fire by a man in Bangkok who later claimed he acted out of stress from losing his job.

The incident occurred at around 10 pm on Aug. 7 outside a Big C shopping centre on Ratchadamri Road, according to The Bangkok Post.

The suspect, 30-year-old Varakorn Pubthaisong, approached the two victims, Ong Yik Leong, 26, and Gan Xiao Zhen, 27, who were sitting on the stairs of the shopping centre.

Lumpini police chief, Yingyos Suwanno, said Varakorn poured a chemical solvent from a plastic bottle onto the victims, who immediately fled in shock.

Varakorn then chased after them and set them on fire.

Caught at the scene

A video circulating online shows bystanders rushing to help the victims, with one person pouring water on them in an attempt to douse the flames.

He's lucky they didn't kill him for what he did. pic.twitter.com/cjTFxiai9o

— Pure Guava (@pureguava10300) August 9, 2025

People at the scene reportedly apprehended Varakorn and handed him over to the police.

Victims in critical but stable condition

Ong was admitted to the intensive care unit at Police General Hospital, while Gan was taken to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.

According to The Star, the Malaysian Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires ad interim to Thailand, Bong Yik Jui, confirmed the victims are in critical but stable condition.

"Ong sustained second-degree burns across his upper body, both front and back. The injuries are considered serious but not life-threatening. Gan suffered 36 per cent, second-degree burns but her condition is stable and conscious,” he said.

The embassy has contacted the victims’ families.

Suspect in custody

Varakorn is currently being held at Lumpini police station.

He later told police that he was a former boxer and had attacked the two Malaysians at random due to stress after being dismissed from his job as a security guard, which left him with no income.

He is facing charges for assault.

Top photos from @pureguava10300/X