Singaporean Among Dead in Bangkok Fire

Singapore, Jan 1 - A Singaporean man was among the nearly 60 people killed in a pub fire in Bangkok early today while ushering in the New Year.

Malaysia's national news agency, Bernama, quoted the Singapore Foreign Ministry as saying that the Thai authorities had informed the republic's embassy in the Thai capital of the matter.

Two Singaporeans were also among the over 100 people injured in the fire at the top Bangkok pub, the Ministry said, adding that they were now being treated for injuries at a local hospital.

It said the Singapore embassy staff were working closely with the Thai authorities to ascertain if they were any more Singaporeans affected.

Initial reports said the fire was caused either by fireworks or an electrical fault at the Santika pub, popular among foreigners.

Meanwhile, Malaysian and Thai authorities have confirmed that no Malaysians were involved in the fire. Malaysia is Thailand's southern neighbour while Singapore island is off  the southern tip of the Malay archipelago. All three nations are members of the Association of South East Asian Countries (ASEAN). Malaysians fun-seekers frequent Thailand due to its close proximity.