Thai rock singer charged over Santika pub inferno

Saravuth Ariya, 28, became the the sixth person charged with negligence in connection with the inferno on New Year eve. More than 200 people were injured, mostly with severe burnt.

Deputy national police chief General Jongrak Jutanont said lead singer Saravuth was arrested on Monday. He has denied the charge of negligence causing death, and bail has been set at Bt1 million.

 "Eyewitnesses and evidence points to fireworks as the cause of the fire at the pub, because the fireworks hit the club ceiling and the fire broke out 30 seconds after the fireworks were lit," Jongrak told reporters on Tuesday.

 "He (Saravuth) was seen carrying fireworks into the pub and lighting them during the countdown," he added.

 Burn was a regular band at the santika and the band was on stage as party-goers rang in 2009.

 The death toll was high because there were few exits and the windows on the upper floors had iron bars across them.

 The other five people charged in connection with the fire are owners and managers of the club who face charges of negligence causing death and admitting under-age people. One of the men remains at large.