The senseless attack on Malaysian tourists in Bangkok could hurt tourism in the southern border area, and the government is urged to restore confidence quickly, said Sitthiphong Sitthiphatprapha, president of the Hat Yai Hotel Association.
On August 7, around 10 p.m., two Malaysian tourists—a man and a woman—were assaulted when a suspect poured thinner on them and set them on fire. The incident took place in front of a shopping mall on Ratchadamri Road, Lumpini Subdistrict, Pathumwan District, Bangkok. Bystanders intervened, apprehended the suspect, and immediately alerted Lumpini Police to investigate.
The suspect was identified as Warakorn Pabtaisong, 30, from Sa Kaeo Province. Witnesses reported that Warakorn approached the two Malaysian tourists—a married couple aged 26 and 27—while they were sitting on the mall steps, took out a 1.5-liter plastic bottle containing thinner from a black shoulder bag, and doused both victims.
As the victims tried to flee, Warakorn chased them and ignited their clothing with a lighter, causing burn injuries. He then attempted to escape but was caught by bystanders who recovered the bottle of thinner and lighter as evidence. Emergency responders took the injured tourists to Police General Hospital for treatment.
Police searched Warakorn’s belongings and found personal items, the thinner bottle, and the lighter used in the attack. He was taken into custody and is now being questioned at Lumpini Police Station.
Authorities said Warakorn admitted to the assault but denied having any prior conflict with the victims. He attributed his actions to psychological stress from unemployment and financial hardship. A former professional boxer, Warakorn recently lost his job as a security guard and had been unable to find new work. He also said he had not eaten for an extended period, which worsened his distress before the incident.
Warakorn faces charges of aggravated assault. Police have coordinated with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to evaluate his mental health and consider support options. The Malaysian tourists are currently in stable condition and are expected to provide further statements during the investigation.
Sitthiphong expressed concern about the widespread media coverage of the attack, which has raised fears of a negative impact on tourism similar to past incidents involving Chinese tourists. He warned that this could especially affect tourism in Thailand’s southern border provinces.
He called on government authorities, particularly those in security and tourism, to communicate openly and promptly with both the public and international visitors. Sitthiphong stressed the importance of providing clear updates on the investigation, reassuring tourists about safety, and visibly enforcing protective measures to restore traveler confidence.
He cautioned that failing to address the issue properly could lead to further declines in tourist arrivals, repeating the loss of Chinese visitors who questioned Thailand’s safety. He urged swift and decisive action to prevent lasting damage, noting Thailand’s heavy economic reliance on Malaysian tourism.
