Former Thai Boxer Sets Fire to Malaysian Tourists in Bangkok
Shoppers in central Bangkok were left horrified after a shocking act of random violence unfolded outside a popular luxury shopping mall on Ratchadamri Road, in the bustling Lumpini district, around 10 p.m. on August 7.
Two Malaysian tourists, identified as Ong Yik Liang (26) and Ken Siew Sian (27), were doused in flammable liquid and set on fire by a man believed to be suffering from mental distress. The victims sustained serious burns to their faces and bodies and were rushed to Police General Hospital, where they are currently in stable condition.
The suspect, Worakorn Phabthaisong, a 30-year-old former Thai boxer from Sa Kaeo province, was apprehended shortly after the incident thanks to the quick actions of bystanders who tackled and restrained him until police arrived.
According to Lumpini Police, witnesses reported seeing Worakorn speaking with the two men before briefly leaving the scene. Minutes later, as the tourists sat on the steps outside the mall, he returned with a 1.5-litre bottle of paint thinner and a lighter. Without warning, he poured the flammable liquid over the victims and ignited them, setting off a chaotic scene as the victims ran for safety, engulfed in flames.
Onlookers acted swiftly, extinguishing the flames and subduing the attacker. Emergency services arrived shortly thereafter and transported the victims to hospital. The recovered bottle and lighter have been entered into evidence.
Worakorn was taken to Lumpini Police Station, where he reportedly confessed to the attack. He told officers he had no prior relationship or conflict with the victims. Instead, he cited stress, unemployment, and hunger as his motivation. Once a professional boxer, he had recently been fired from a job as a security guard and claimed to have been rejected repeatedly for other work.
“I was very stressed. I had no money, no food, no job,” he told police.
Authorities have confirmed that Worakorn tested negative for drugs, ruling out substance influence. He is now facing charges of attempted murder. Officials from the Department of Social Development and Human Security (DSDHS) have joined the case to assess the suspect’s mental and social condition, though no mental health diagnosis has been formally made public.
Police said the victims would be invited to give full statements once their medical conditions improve. Investigators continue to collect evidence and assess the suspect’s background.
Lumpini Police condemned the incident as rare but deeply disturbing, especially given its location in Bangkok’s high-traffic shopping district, which is popular with both locals and international tourists.
The case has raised broader concerns about mental health support, economic desperation, and random violence in urban areas. Authorities have assured the public that such incidents are highly uncommon and that tourist safety remains a top priority.
