Taiwan Authorities Investigate Alleged Arson at Thai Massage Parlor Following Financial Dispute

A Vietnamese woman, following a dispute with the owner, is under investigation after a fire at a Thai massage parlor in Toufen City, Miaoli County, Taiwan.

An investigation is underway in Taiwan following a suspected arson incident at a Thai massage parlor in Toufen City, Miaoli County, on December 12th. Authorities are looking into the circumstances surrounding the fire and the potential involvement of a Vietnamese woman, identified as a 阮 (surname) (52 years old), who allegedly had a financial dispute with the owner of the establishment, a man named 鄭.

According to preliminary reports, the fire broke out at approximately 2:00 PM. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find a two-story building engulfed in flames and smoke. The fire was extinguished after nearly two hours, with damage estimated to cover around 100 square meters. While no other injuries were reported from the fire itself, the Vietnamese woman, 阮, sustained severe burns and is in critical condition.

Police investigations suggest that the incident stems from a financial disagreement between 阮 and 鄭. According to police reports, 阮, who holds a Taiwan Resident Certificate, was previously in a relationship with 鄭 and had invested in the business. Allegedly, the pair had a heated argument on the phone just prior to the fire. 阮 instructed a Vietnamese employee, 黎, to leave the premises. Shortly after, the fire erupted, with 阮 suffering burns to her head and limbs.

Initial findings suggest that 阮 may have planned the arson in advance, as a private taxi was waiting nearby. She was transported to a local hospital for immediate treatment. Medical assessments indicated that she suffered second- and third-degree burns across approximately 70% of her body. She has since been transferred to a specialized burn center in Taichung City for more intensive care.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the fire department's forensic team. 鄭's testimony is currently the only available account of the events. Authorities are expected to question 阮 once her medical condition stabilizes. She is currently considered a suspect in the case.