Latest news with #OngYikLeong
CNA
3 days ago
- CNA
Malaysian couple set on fire in Bangkok: Family worry medical fees may exceed Thai compensation
BANGKOK: The family of a Malaysian couple set on fire in downtown Bangkok while on a holiday fear that the compensation offered by the Thai government may not cover their medical expenses. Ong Yik Leong, 26 and Gan Xiao Zhen, 27, were reportedly sitting on the steps of Big C shopping centre opposite Central World mall on Ratchadamri Road when an unemployed Thai man allegedly poured thinner on them from behind before setting them alight at about 10 pm last Thursday (Aug 7). On Monday, the Thai government said it will cover the couple's medical costs up to a maximum of 500,000 baht (US$15,400) per person, on top of an emotional distress compensation of 50,000 baht each. This is under its assistance scheme for tourists injured in specific criminal offences or accidents. Gan has been receiving treatment at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital while her boyfriend Ong is reported to be in a stable condition at the intensive care unit at Police General Hospital. Speaking to Malaysian news agency Bernama on Friday, Gan's father, Gan Kin In, 80, said the family is worried about the medical expenses, which have already reached around 150,000 baht after just over a week of treatment. 'We are worried that the total amount of compensation may not be enough to cover the total medical costs here, as the charges are quite high,' he told Bernama. Bernama reported that the family is concerned the medical expenses could also exceed insurance coverage, though it is unclear if the victims have their own coverage. The retiree also said that doctors were not optimistic that they could allow the victims to be transferred back to Malaysia anytime soon. 'Yesterday, Xiao Zhen had a fever and high blood pressure, but she has recovered today. Her condition is now more stable, and if her health permits, doctors will carry out minor skin operations in phases,' he said on Friday. She had suffered second-degree burns over 36 per cent of her face, chest and an arm while her partner has second-degree burns to his upper body, both front and back. Her father added that doctors estimated it would take around two months for her to recover after skin graft procedures that would be done in stages to minimise pain and discomfort. The father said he and his wife are grateful to the Malaysian and Thai governments for their assistance following the incident. 'We have been in Bangkok for the past week. The Malaysian government, through the embassy, has given us constant support, while the Thai side, through the Tourist Police and the Tourism and Sports Ministry, has provided transportation and accommodation,' he added. In announcing the Thai government's compensation for the victims, permanent secretary of the Tourism and Sports Ministry Natreeya Taweewong had pledged her ministry's commitment to provide the best possible care and assistance to them. On the maximum compensation of 550,000 baht per person, she said: 'The government will consider additional assistance as appropriate based on the situation with other cases subject to the discretion of the attending physicians.' Thai Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong had expressed his condolences following the incident. 'Be assured that Thailand will care for and protect all tourists with full capacity, so that Thailand remains a safe and attractive destination,' Thai news outlet Khaosod quoted him as saying on Aug 8. The suspect – identified as Varakorn Pubthaisong, 30 – allegedly attacked the victims out of frustration over being unemployed. He reportedly told the police he was a former boxer who was sacked as a security guard.
South China Morning Post
6 days ago
- South China Morning Post
Thailand to pay US$17,000 each to 2 Malaysians injured in fire attack
Thailand will compensate the two Malaysian tourists who were set on fire in Bangkok last week up to 550,000 baht (US$17,000) each for medical expenses and emotional distress, the tourism minister has confirmed. Gan Xiao Zhen, 27, and Ong Yik Leong, 26, had been sitting on the steps outside the Big C shopping centre on Thursday last week when they were attacked. Their assailant, later identified as Varakorn Pubthaisong, 30, allegedly doused them with thinner before setting them alight. He claimed that he had committed the crime out of frustration at being jobless, according to the Bangkok Post newspaper. Gan is being treated at the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital for second-degree burns over 36 per cent of her body, while Ong is in the Police General Hospital's intensive care unit for second-degree burns to his upper body, according to Bernama. Natreeya Taweewong, Thailand's permanent secretary of the tourism and sports ministry, in a statement on Monday reiterated the ministry's promise to look after both of them until they were able to return home. 'The ministry will also provide assistance under the Thai government's compensation measures, including medical expenses and emotional distress compensation to both victims,' she said. Their medical expenses will be reimbursed up to a maximum of 500,000 baht each, and they will each receive 50,000 baht as compensation for emotional distress on top of that.
Yahoo
09-08-2025
- Yahoo
Two tourists set on fire outside Bangkok mall in random attack by man ‘frustrated over unemployment', police say
Two Malaysian tourists are in critical but stable condition after being doused with paint thinner and set on fire by an unemployed man outside a shopping centre in Bangkok on Thursday night. Thai police have arrested a 30-year-old suspect, identified as a former boxer named Varakorn Pubthaisong, who allegedly carried out the attack out of frustration over losing his job. The incident took place around 10pm on Thursday outside one of Bangkok's most popular shopping centres. The two victims, 26-year-old Ong Yik Leong and 27-year-old Gan Xiao Zhen, were sitting on the steps of the mall when an assailant approached them from behind and poured the paint thinner from a plastic bottle over them, according to Bangkok Post. The pair fled in shock but were chased down by the attacker, who then set them alight. Members of the public intervened and police say the suspect, Mr Varakorn, was detained at the scene. He was handed over to police and is now in custody at Lumpini Police Station. Lumpini police chief Yingyos Suwanno told repoters that Mr Varakorn had admitted to the attack during questioning. Police said he had recently been dismissed from his job as a security guard and was experiencing stress over his unemployment. The victims were rushed to hospital with serious burn injuries. Mr Ong was admitted to the intensive care unit at Police General Hospital, while Ms Gan was being treated at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Bong Yik Jui, Malaysia's acting chargé d'affaires in Thailand, said Mr Ong sustained second-degree burns across his upper body, both front and back. 'The injuries are considered serious but not life-threatening,' Mr Bong told Malaysian news agency Bernama. Ms Gan suffered second-degree burns covering 36 per cent of her body. Both are now in a critical but stable condition, according to the New Straits Times. Foreign minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said: 'Both victims are receiving treatment and are in stable condition. However, doctors have advised against their immediate return to Malaysia as burn wounds are pressure-sensitive and must be allowed to dry first.' He added that the families of both victims were expected to arrive in Bangkok on Saturday afternoon and would receive support from the Malaysian embassy and the foreign ministry's consular division. '[The suspect] is currently in Thai police custody, and the embassy is still seeking further clarification from the authorities on the next course of action,' he said about Mr Varakorn. Police say they are preparing to formally charge Mr Varakorn with assault and will be taking full statements from the victims once their medical condition permits. 'We would take statements from both victims once they are in stable condition,' Pol Col Yingyos told The Star. The attack was reportedly captured on video, though authorities have not yet confirmed whether the footage will be released.
The Independent
09-08-2025
- The Independent
Two tourists set on fire outside Bangkok mall in random attack by man ‘frustrated over unemployment', police say
Two Malaysian tourists are in critical but stable condition after being doused with paint thinner and set on fire by an unemployed man outside a shopping centre in Bangkok on Thursday night. Thai police have arrested a 30-year-old suspect, identified as a former boxer named Varakorn Pubthaisong, who allegedly carried out the attack out of frustration over losing his job. The incident took place around 10pm on Thursday outside one of Bangkok 's most popular shopping centres. The two victims, 26-year-old Ong Yik Leong and 27-year-old Gan Xiao Zhen, were sitting on the steps of the mall when an assailant approached them from behind and poured the paint thinner from a plastic bottle over them, according to Bangkok Post. The pair fled in shock but were chased down by the attacker, who then set them alight. Members of the public intervened and police say the suspect, Mr Varakorn, was detained at the scene. He was handed over to police and is now in custody at Lumpini Police Station. Lumpini police chief Yingyos Suwanno told repoters that Mr Varakorn had admitted to the attack during questioning. Police said he had recently been dismissed from his job as a security guard and was experiencing stress over his unemployment. The victims were rushed to hospital with serious burn injuries. Mr Ong was admitted to the intensive care unit at Police General Hospital, while Ms Gan was being treated at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Bong Yik Jui, Malaysia 's acting chargé d'affaires in Thailand, said Mr Ong sustained second-degree burns across his upper body, both front and back. 'The injuries are considered serious but not life-threatening,' Mr Bong told Malaysian news agency Bernama. Ms Gan suffered second-degree burns covering 36 per cent of her body. Both are now in a critical but stable condition, according to the New Straits Times. Foreign minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said: 'Both victims are receiving treatment and are in stable condition. However, doctors have advised against their immediate return to Malaysia as burn wounds are pressure-sensitive and must be allowed to dry first.' He added that the families of both victims were expected to arrive in Bangkok on Saturday afternoon and would receive support from the Malaysian embassy and the foreign ministry's consular division. '[The suspect] is currently in Thai police custody, and the embassy is still seeking further clarification from the authorities on the next course of action,' he said about Mr Varakorn. Police say they are preparing to formally charge Mr Varakorn with assault and will be taking full statements from the victims once their medical condition permits. 'We would take statements from both victims once they are in stable condition,' Pol Col Yingyos told The Star.
CNA
09-08-2025
- CNA
Two Malaysian tourists set on fire in downtown Bangkok; suspect in custody
BANGKOK: A suspect has been arrested after allegedly setting fire to two Malaysian tourists in downtown Bangkok on Thursday night (Aug 7), according to local media reports. The two Malaysian victims – identified as Ong Yik Leong, 26 and Gan Xiao Zhen, 27 – were reportedly sitting on the steps of Big C shopping centre on Ratchadamri Road when a man allegedly poured thinner on them from behind. The victims ran away in shock but the suspect – identified as Varakorn Pubthaisong, 30 – allegedly chased after them and set them alight, reported news outlet Bangkok Post. The tourists are in critical but stable condition, according to Bong Yik Jui, the Malaysian Embassy's Chargé d'Affaires ad interim to Thailand, as reported by Malaysian news agency Bernama. Ong was sent to the intensive care unit at Police General Hospital while Gan was sent to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. "Ong sustained second-degree burns across his upper body, both front and back. The injuries are considered serious but not life-threatening," Bong told Bernama on Friday. "Gan suffered 36 per cent, second-degree burns, but her condition is stable and conscious." Bangkok's Lumpini police chief Yingyos Suwanno said the victims would be asked to provide information in the process of charging the suspect, who is now in police custody at Lumpini police station. Varakorn allegedly attacked the victims out of frustration over being unemployed, Yingyos said. He reportedly told the police he was a former boxer who was sacked as a security guard. He had tried to flee the scene but was stopped by members of the public.
