SHAH ALAM - A peaceful night out in Bangkok, Thailand, turned into a nightmare for two young Malaysians when a Thai man doused them with paint thinner and set them on fire in a shocking and unprovoked attack outside a busy shopping mall.
The two Malaysians, aged 26 and 27, suffered severe burns to their faces and bodies after being set alight at Ratchaprasong intersection in central Bangkok late Thursday night. The horrifying incident, reported by Thai news outlet Khaosod English, left both locals and tourists shaken.
According to police, the attack occurred around 10pm outside a shopping mall. The assailant, identified as 30-year-old Warakorn Pabtaisong from Sa Kaeo province, first spoke briefly with the couple before they parted ways.
Moments later, while the victims were sitting on the mall steps, Warakorn approached them, poured a 1.5-litre bottle of paint thinner over them and ignited it with a lighter.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the couple attempted to flee in flames, with bystanders quickly rushing to help. Several people bravely tackled and restrained the attacker until officers from Lumpini Police Station arrived.
Police confirmed they recovered the paint thinner bottle and lighter as evidence. The couple was swiftly taken to the Police Hospital for urgent treatment.
During questioning, Warakorn admitted to the attack, claiming he bore no personal grudge against the victims. Instead, he blamed his actions on emotional strain from unemployment and hunger.
“I had not eaten that day,” he told police, adding that the frustration and stress pushed him towards the violent act.
Warakorn, a former boxer and recently unemployed security guard, tested negative for drugs. Police have charged him with attempted bodily harm.
Authorities are now working with the Social Development Ministry and Human Security to provide assistance and continue investigations into the incident.