BANGKOK – Outrage has spread following a violent assault on a Burmese couple in Ratchaburi Province, central Thailand, late at night on July 29, 2025. Police report a couple was attacked by four masked Thai men, raising fears about possible hate crimes against migrant workers.

The incident, which took place as the couple were riding their motorcycle to their night jobs, was captured clearly on CCTV. The victims, Da Win (31) and her husband, were on their way from their dormitory when the attack happened around midnight.

The ambush took place in Moo 4, Ban Khong subdistrict, Photaram district. Da Win, speaking through a Karen interpreter, explained that the couple met four men wearing hats and masks at the entrance to their alley.

Da Win said she put her hands together in a wai, begging them not to hurt her, and asked, “Are you sure you have the right people?” Her fear was clear as she shared her experience.

CCTV footage, now with police, clearly shows one attacker pulling Da Win off the motorcycle and kicking and stomping on her. At the same time, two other attackers used wooden sticks and metal knuckles to beat her husband, causing serious injuries. The fourth man joined in before all four ran away.

Victims Recover After Hospitalization

After the attack, the couple was rushed to the hospital. Da Win suffered a broken cheekbone, cuts to her forehead, bruises, headaches and sore ribs. Her husband had injuries to his legs and chest, but still managed to take his wife to the hospital before he collapsed.

Both remain in medical care. Doctors say Da Win’s injuries are serious, but she is stable. Speaking from her hospital bed, Da Win urged police to find and prosecute those responsible.

Police in Photaram are using the CCTV images to help identify the suspects. The couple reported the assault on July 30 at Photaram Police Station. Officials have placed the case at the top of their priorities.

Investigators say the CCTV footage offers strong evidence, and they are now looking at further leads. They are also asking the public for any information that could help in tracking down the attackers.

The attack has led many to believe that the couple was targeted because they are Burmese. This raises wider fears for migrant workers in Thailand. Even though Da Win used a traditional Thai gesture to ask for mercy, the attackers ignored her. The unprovoked and deliberate violence has left many stunned.

Thitipan Buaphu, village head, said the targeted nature of the assault and its cruelty suggest deep-seated prejudice. He called for more awareness about the discrimination faced by migrants.

Migrant workers from Myanmar and other countries are vital to Thailand’s economy, but they often deal with discrimination and harsh working conditions. Reports highlight a growing number of violent incidents involving migrant workers, some of which have turned deadly.

In 2024, violent crimes against foreign nationals were noted as rising, with advocacy groups calling out inadequate protections for these communities.

Burmese Couple Assaulted, Police

Police Combat Attacks on Migrants

Violence against migrant workers is not new in Thailand. In 2013, the US State Department reported ongoing abuses against Burmese migrants, including bribery and threats from officials.

Cases like the 2014 murder of two British tourists on Koh Tao, for which two Burmese men were controversially convicted, have put Thailand’s justice system under international scrutiny. In 2024, another murder of Burmese nationals in Ratchaburi highlighted the continued dangers faced by migrant workers.

Migrant labourers contribute a great deal to industries such as construction and farming. Yet, many find themselves blamed for social or economic problems and often experience hostility. Support organizations point out that migrants are frequent targets for crime, and too often, these events receive little public attention.

The recent violence has unsettled people living in Ratchaburi. A local vendor near the scene said, “People here are shocked and worried. This isn’t how we want our community to be.

Everyone deserves to feel safe, no matter where they come from.” While police have promised a thorough investigation, many activists are calling for stronger actions, such as public education and tougher penalties for those who commit hate crimes.