Two Malaysians sustain burn injuries in a fire incident in Bangkok, currently receiving medical treatment and in stable condition.
The Malaysian couple, Gan Xiao Zhen and Ong Yik Leong, who were brutally attacked and burned in Bangkok, are currently in stable but serious conditions and undergoing treatment in hospitals in Thailand.
Gan Xiao Zhen, 27, has second-degree burns over 36% of her body, including her face, chest, and arm. Ong Yik Leong, also 27, has sustained second-degree burns to his upper body, both front and back. Gan is hospitalized at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, where she is conscious and able to communicate by writing, while Ong is in the intensive care unit of the Police General Hospital.
The Thai government has confirmed it will compensate them up to 550,000 baht (around US$17,000) each to cover medical expenses and emotional distress. Their families have requested that once medically fit, the couple be transferred back to Malaysia for further treatment, but doctors have not yet approved travel due to their condition.
The assailant, a 30-year-old unemployed man named Varakorn Pubthaisong, was arrested. He allegedly poured thinner on Gan and Ong and set them on fire, reportedly acting out of frustration from unemployment.
The Malaysian embassy's charge d'affaires ad interim to Thailand, Bong Yik Jui, has assured the families of Gan Xiao Zhen and Ong Yik Leong that the embassy will continue to monitor their condition. At a meeting today, the assistant permanent secretary of the tourism and sports ministry, Seksun Ngawsuwan, stated that the Thai government will allocate a specific sum to assist with the medical expenses of Gan Xiao Zhen and Ong Yik Leong. The charge d'affaires ad interim to Thailand, Bong Yik Jui, has pledged to assist the family members of Gan Xiao Zhen and Ong Yik Leong.
The attack on Gan Xiao Zhen and Ong Yik Leong occurred at a shopping mall on Ratchadamri Road at about 10pm. The time for their transfer back to Malaysia will depend on the doctors' observations and recommendations.
The Malaysian couple is expected to require approximately a month of treatment in Thailand for their wounds to heal properly. The community hopes for their swift recovery and a safe return to Malaysia.
- The Malaysian government has been informed about the attacking incident in Thailand involving the couple, Gan Xiao Zhen and Ong Yik Leong, and has expressed concern.
- In addition to the financial aid provided by the Thai government, the Malaysian embassy in Thailand is also committed to assisting Gan Xiao Zhen and Ong Yik Leong with their medical expenses and emotional support.
- Despite the fatal attack, the Malaysian community worldwide remains supportive and is actively following the general news and health updates on Gan Xiao Zhen and Ong Yik Leong's recovery process.
- Besides the investigation of the crime and justice system in Thailand, the Malaysian government is also working towards ensuring appropriate medical treatment and rehabilitation services are in place for Gan Xiao Zhen and Ong Yik Leong upon their return to Malaysia.
