BANGKOK - THE major owner of the Santika Club - scene of the New Year's Eve fire tragedy - surrendered at Bangkok's Thong Lor police station on Tuesday afternoon after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Wisuk Setsawat initially denied two charges of recklessness resulting in others' deaths and injuries and allowing people under 20 to enter the club.

He was later released on bail of 1 million baht (S$42,600).

Deputy national police chief General Jongrak Juthanont said police set the bail at 1 million baht because 66 people had died and many others were injured, although in less dramatic cases bail would have been set at about 200,000 baht.

He said a second man wanted in connection with the tragedy, Suriya Ritrabue, managing director of White and Brother company, which runs the club, remained at large.

Wisuk denied the charges, saying he would testify in court. He said he had not been able to contact Suriya since the day of the blaze.

Meanwhile, Bangkok City Clerk Pongsak Semsant said he expected the city's probe into the fire would conclude in two to three days. He said district officials would be punished if they were found to be involved.

Mr Pongsak said he hadn't seen an initial report by the Justice Ministry that said Wattana District officials were responsible to what happened.

"I've got look into details again and if the officials were clearly at fault, they will face disciplinary investigation," he said.

He also urged the owners of 1,000 big buildings who have not submitted building inspection reports to the city to do so before the end of January - or face legal action.

He said he had instructed his deputies and district office directors to inspect nine types of buildings in relation to safety obligations. If the owners refused to improve their premises as advised by city officials, an order would be issued demanding improvements within 7-15 days, or they would be punished.

In related news, an National Health Security Office (NHSO) board meeting yesterday approved the reimbursement of medical expenses for 31 victims of the Santika Club fire who were NHSO subscribers. -- THE NATION/ANN