Updated on Tuesday, January 13, 2009, 00:00 IST

Bangkok, Jan 13: The co-owner of a Bangkok nightclub where 65 people were killed in a blaze early on New Year's Day handed himself in to police today after a warrant was issued for his arrest, police said.

Visuk Setsawat surrendered at a police station near the ill-fated Santika nightclub to face two charges of negligence resulting in deaths and injuries and of allowing minors to enter the establishment.

"Police have filed two charges against him," deputy national police chief General Jongrak Jutanont told reporters. Visuk, who is the club's major shareholder, was later released on USD 28,571 bail after almost of three hours of questioning, Jongrak said.

"He denied all charges and will testify in court," he said.

Visuk faces up to 10 years in jail under Thai law. Police yesterday issued warrants for both Visuk and for Suriya Ritrabue, the managing director of the company that runs the club. Suriya remains at large.

"The other suspect has not yet showed up, so police will arrest him" Jongrak said.

Thai emergency services meanwhile updated the death toll to 65 after a Sudanese woman died in hospital yesterday. Three Singaporeans, one Japanese and a Myanmar national were also among the dead.

Of the 229 people who were injured in the fire 39 remain hospitalised, with 19 in intensive care units and the others in stable condition, they said.

Bureau Report