BANGKOK, Aug 11 — The Thai government will provide compensation to two Malaysian tourists who were set on fire by a man on Ratchadamri Road here on August 7.
Thai Tourism and Sports Minister permanent secretary Natreeya Taweewong reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to providing the best possible care and assistance to the victims until they are able to return home safely.
“The ministry will also provide assistance under the Thai government’s compensation measures, including medical expenses and emotional distress compensation to both victims,” she said in a statement on Monday.
According to Natreeya, medical expenses will be reimbursed according to actual costs stated in receipts, up to a maximum of 500,000 baht (RM65,391), while emotional distress compensation will amount to 50,000 baht.
“This brings the total compensation to a maximum of 550,000 baht per person. The government will consider additional assistance as appropriate based on the situation, with other cases subject to the discretion of the attending physicians,” she said.
She said the ministry, in collaboration with relevant agencies, will ensure the best possible medical care, logistics support and psychological assistance for the injured Malaysian tourists.
Natreeya said the condition of both victims have significantly improved, with the female tourist now able to communicate by writing.
She acknowledged that while families of the victims have expressed their wishes to transfer them to Malaysia for treatment, doctors do not recommend they travel.
“The patients will continue to receive treatment in Thailand for now,” she said.
The two Malaysians, Gan Xiao Zhen, 27, and Ong Yik Leong, 26, were attacked by a man who allegedly doused them with paint thinner before setting them alight near a mall on Ratchadamri Road at around 10pm on August 7.
Gan is receiving treatment at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital for second-degree burns over 36 per cent of her body, while Ong is in intensive care at Police General Hospital for second-degree burns to his upper body.
