KUALA LUMPUR — The Thai government will cover medical and emotional distress costs for two Malaysian tourists injured in a fire attack in central Bangkok last week.
Tourism and Sports Ministry permanent secretary Natreeya Taweewong said both victims would receive assistance under the government’s compensation measures, including up to 500,000 baht (RM65,380) for medical bills and 50,000 baht for emotional distress.
This brings the total potential payout to 550,000 baht per person. Additional help could be provided depending on medical advice, she added.
The two Malaysians – Gan Xiao Zhen, 27, and Ong Yik Leong, 26 – were attacked on Thursday night near a shopping mall on Ratchadamri Road. An unemployed man allegedly doused them with thinner before setting them alight.
Gan is being treated at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital for second-degree burns over 36% of her body, including her face, chest and arm. Ong remains in intensive care at Police General Hospital with burns to his upper body. Both are in stable condition.
Natreeya said the victims were receiving “the best possible medical care, logistical support and psychological assistance” in collaboration with other agencies.
She noted that the victims’ families had expressed a wish to transfer them back to Malaysia for further treatment, but doctors have not recommended travel.
“For now, the patients will continue to receive treatment in Thailand,” she said. — August 11, 2025