Malaysian Embassy Assures Support For Nationals Injured In Bangkok Fire Attack

By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock

BANGKOK, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- The Embassy of Malaysia in Thailand has assured the families of two Malaysian tourists who were set on fire here on Thursday that it will closely monitor their conditions.

The Malaysian Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires ad interim to Thailand, Bong Yik Jui, said both victims remain in stable condition despite being warded in the intensive care unit.

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Bong said Gan Xiao Zhen, 27, sustained second-degree burns over 36 per cent of her body, including her face, chest and arm, while Ong Yik Leong, 26, suffered second-degree burns to his upper body, both front and back.

“Whether the family members are here or have returned to Malaysia, the embassy will continue to monitor the victims’ progress closely with the hospital,” he told Bernama when met at the Police General Hospital here on Saturday.

The two Malaysians, Gan and her boyfriend Ong, 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 10 pm on Thursday.

Meanwhile, during a briefing session with the victims’ family members on Saturday, Assistant Permanent Secretary of the Tourism and Sports Ministry, Seksun Ngawsuwan, said the Thai government would allocate a specific sum to assist with the victims’ medical expenses.

“We will assist the family members as much as possible to ensure that the recovery process proceeds smoothly,” he said.

He added that both victims were expected to require about a month of treatment in Thailand to ensure their wounds healed properly and without infection.

When asked when the victims could be transferred back to Malaysia, Seksun said it would depend on the doctors’ observations and recommendations.

“I know it is a challenge for the family members to stay here and care for their loved ones. However, until they are medically fit, it is too risky to transfer them back to Malaysia,” he said.

On Friday, Thai Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong expressed his regret over the incident involving the two Malaysian tourists.

Sorawong said his ministry was concerned over the matter and had instructed all subordinate agencies, particularly the Tourist Police and security agencies, to urgently provide assistance and close supervision, while also strengthening security measures to build confidence among all tourists visiting Thailand.

-- BERNAMA