MORE than 200 people packed a hall at the Mandai Crematorium yesterday for the cremation of Mr Teo Sze Siong, who died last week in a devastating fire at a Bangkok nightclub.

The 38-year-old air-traffic controller was one of 64 people who lost their lives in the Jan 1 blaze at the Santika nightclub.

Before Mr Teo's body was taken to Mandai, his family and friends gathered for an early-morning ceremony at the void deck of his Toa Payoh flat, where they had a simple 20-minute Buddhist prayer ritual.

They paid their final respects, and bid Mr Teo a teary farewell.

Ten of his colleagues from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, clad in matching grey shirts and black trousers, led the hearse in a slow procession out of the driveway.

Mr Teo's 68-year-old mother had to be supported by two family members as she wept uncontrollably, calling out her son's name.

She did not attend her son's cremation in accordance with traditional Chinese custom.

KIMBERLY SPYKERMAN