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CNA
2 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.
Malay Mail
7 days ago
- Malay Mail
Thailand offers up to RM72,000 compensation to Malaysians burned in Bangkok attack
BANGKOK, Aug 11 — The Thai government will provide compensation to two Malaysian tourists who were set on fire by an unemployed man on Ratchadamri Road here on Thursday night. Permanent Secretary of the Tourism and Sports Ministry, Natreeya Taweewong, reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to providing the best possible care and assistance to the victims until they are able to return home safely. '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 in a statement today. According to Natreeya, medical expenses will be reimbursed according to actual costs stated in receipts, up to a maximum of 500,000 baht (approximately RM65,000), while emotional distress compensation will amount to 50,000 baht. 'This brings the total compensation to a maximum of 550,000 baht (approximately RM72,000) per person. The government will consider additional assistance as appropriate based on the situation, with other cases subject to the discretion of the attending physicians,' she said. She said the ministry, in collaboration with all relevant agencies, will ensure the best possible medical care, logistical support and psychological assistance for the injured Malaysian tourists. Natreeya said the condition of both victims has significantly improved, with the female tourist now able to communicate through writing. She acknowledged that while families of the victims have expressed their wishes to transfer them back to Malaysia for further treatment, doctors have not recommended travel at this time. 'Therefore, the patients will continue to receive treatment in Thailand for the time being,' she said. The two Malaysians, Gan Xiao Zhen, 27, and Ong Yik Leong, 26, were attacked by an unemployed man who allegedly doused them with thinner before setting them alight near a shopping mall on Ratchadamri Road at around 10pm on Thursday. Gan is currently receiving treatment at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital for second-degree burns over 36 per cent of her body, including her face, chest and arm, while Ong is being treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Police General Hospital for second-degree burns to his upper body, both front and back. — Bernama
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.
