Thailand expresses regret after 2 Malaysian tourists set on fire in Bangkok

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong stated that he had instructed relevant agencies under his ministry to provide immediate assistance and ensure the victims' safety, as reported by Nation Thailand.

He also ordered stricter security measures in major tourist areas to bolster confidence among international visitors.

The ministry further assisted the tourists in applying for compensation through the aid scheme for injured and deceased foreign visitors.

Sorawong emphasized that the Thai government places the safety and welfare of all visitors as a top priority.

The assault occurred around 10 p.m. on Aug. 7, when the two victims, 26-year-old Ong Yik Leong and 27-year-old Gan Xiao Zhen, were sitting on the steps of the mall.

The assailant approached them from behind, poured paint thinner over them from a plastic bottle, and set them alight, according to The Star.

The tourists reportedly fled after being doused, but the suspect chased them down and set them on fire.

Members of the public intervened, and the suspect was detained at the scene. He was handed over to the authorities and is currently in custody at a police station.

Police said the suspect had recently been dismissed from his job as a security guard and was reportedly experiencing stress related to his unemployment.

Thailand recorded over 19 million foreign arrivals in the first seven months of this year, down over 6% year-on-year.