Japanese dies of burns from Thai club fire

BANGKOK (Kyodo) A 38-year-old Japanese man who was seriously injured in a New Year's fire at a Bangkok nightclub has died, a hospital official said Monday.

Keiichi Wada died Sunday night at Chulalongkorn hospital following treatment for several days in an intensive-care unit. The Japanese Embassy in Bangkok confirmed his death.

Wada was one of two Japanese men seriously injured in the fire at the Santika club that broke out shortly after revelers rang in the new year.

A friend of Wada's said he could have escaped the fire but decided to go back to help his Thai girlfriend, who was trapped in the building. He sustained severe burns while rescuing the girlfriend, who suffered only minor injuries, according to the friend.

According to the Public Health Ministry, the death toll as of Monday stood at 64, while 72 people remained hospitalized as of Sunday.

Foreign victims being treated in local hospitals include those from Britain, Australia, the United States, France, Belgium, South Korea, Malaysia, India and Sudan.

Police are still investigating the cause of the blaze and said it might take about a week before a conclusion can be made.

Police said the owner of the club, Wisuk Setsawat, will be charged with recklessness and allowing people under 20 years old into the club.