3 children accused of setting man on fire in Thailand for a video
The suspects, aged just nine to 15, allegedly doused the sleeping man in liquid and filmed him as the flames erupted
The man, identified only as 51-year-old Karn, lives under the Ban Ma Bridge in Prawet, earning a living by selling recyclable waste, according to news outlet Thaiger.
Local media reported that Karn escaped fatal injuries, and told the press he was sleeping under the bridge when he felt cold liquid being poured on him before flames erupted on his body.
Witnesses in the area said the act on Monday appeared to be random, confirming Karn’s claims that he did not know the suspects.
Police on Thursday confirmed that they had identified the suspects, whose names were withheld under child protection laws. The suspects are expected to face charges of attempted murder and damage to public property, as a water pipe at the scene was also damaged in the fire.
A video of the attack sparked widespread outrage online, with many urging authorities to punish the offenders under adult laws or take legal action against the guardians or parents for negligence.