Norwegian correspondent killed

Friends and colleagues were shocked to hear that Norling, 37, died after being hit by a bus near the Rajprasong intersection, not far from the Erawan Shrine, just before dawn.

Tor, as he was best known, was a veteran of combat zones around the world, having reported in Iraq, Afghanistan, East Timor, Sri Lanka, Aceh, as well as autonomous regions in northeastern Burma. He was also a member of the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand for a number of years.

A resident in Thailand for close to 10 years, he became well-known after helping to set up the Rain Dogs bar off Rama IV Road - a venue that was also popular with writers, photographers and musicians.

Norling, just back from a trip home to see his family and friends (his father was also a journalist), wrote mainly for Norwegian and Scandinavian papers and magazines. He was well regarded for his reports on human rights abuses and the traumas endured in areas of conflict.

Indeed, many were surprised that a man who appeared not to fear the dangers of war should suffer such a fate.

Andrew Marshall, the British author and correspondent for Time, said: "The journalism community is reeling, and not just here in Bangkok. Tor was a brave and passionate reporter, a foreign correspondent to the core, whose job took him to difficult and dangerous places worldwide. He was much loved and will be missed in many countries."

In a note on Facebook, cameraman Richie Moore said his friend was "fearless" and determined "about telling these stories that we so desperately need to hear".

Police at Lumpini station are believed to have charged the driver of the bus that struck Norling, although exact details about the crash are still vague. Colleagues said he was walking home after a late night with friends.

Norling is survived by his Thai wife Jum and son Trym, 3. A service with Buddhist rites will be held at Klong Toei Nai temple for three days starting today.