Seven charged over Bangkok nightclub inferno

The Bangkok Post newspaper said the owner of the Santika club and the lead singer of the band playing that night are among those charged.

The fire is believed to have been caused by fireworks, set off to celebrate New Year's Eve 2008.

Partygoers scrambled to get out of the upmarket Bangkok club but their escape was hindered by inadequate exits, according to emergency workers.

Four Britons were injured in the fire, including 35-year-old Oliver Smart from Millhouses, Sheffield, who suffered severe burns, damage to his airway, renal failure and high blood pressure.

His solicitor Clive Garner, from law firm Irwin Mitchell, welcomed Wednesday's development and called on Thai authorities to bring the case to trial quickly.

Mr Smart's solicitor Clive Garner, from law firm Irwin Mitchell, welcomed Wednesday's development and called on Thai authorities to bring the case to trial quickly.

According to the Bangkok Post, Santika nightclub executive Wisuk Setsawat, general manager Thawatchai Srithumma, and lead singer of the band Burn, Saravuth Ariya, have all been charged with counts of carelessness leading to deaths and injuries.

Entertainment manager Pongthep Jinda, marketing manager Puthipong Walailikree, Suriya Ritrabue and Boonchu Laosiharthave also been indicted.

The fire caught hold shortly after midnight. Police said at the time it could have been started by sparks from a pyrotechnic display. It quickly turned into an inferno, with toxic smoke filling the venue. A shortage of exits and the fact that bars were placed across second-floor windows added to the plight of those trapped inside.

Speaking about the blaze, Mr Smart said: "The fire spread quickly. Suddenly I was aware of an overpowering heat and flames engulfing the club. Everybody was terrified and desperately trying to find a way out."

He spent three months in hospital and will be on medication for the rest of his life.