A 19-year-old drink vendor was injured after another worker allegedly threw hot cooking oil at her inside a shopping mall food court in Mueang district, Krabi, on April 4, in an incident that has shocked witnesses.
Police and rescue teams were called to the scene on the first floor of the mall after staff alerted authorities. The victim, identified as Rattika, was found waiting for assistance with burns on the right side of her torso and back caused by the hot oil used for cooking.
She was given first aid before being rushed to Krabi Hospital for further treatment. Such workplace disputes turning violent have raised concerns about safety and conflict management in shared commercial spaces.
The victim claimed she was preparing to close her stall when the suspect, a neighbouring vendor identified as Fon, suddenly threw a pot of hot oil at her without warning. She said the two had previously argued on April 1, during which she was allegedly insulted without reason.
A witness, who was a customer at the food court, said the suspect appeared to call out the victim’s name before the attack, suggesting it may have been targeted. The witness also said members of the public stepped in and managed to detain the suspect after she attempted to flee.
Police later took the suspect into custody at the scene. Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to determine the motive behind the attack and gather statements from witnesses.
