The owner of a nightclub where 15 revellers died in a horror fire was this morning detained by police.

Pongsiri Panprasong, 27, is accused of 'carelessness causing death' and operating the Mountain B bar illegally in the Sattahip district of Pattaya, Thailand.

The structure caught fire following two explosions next to the DJ booth in the early hours of Friday morning. Police said that 13 people were burned alive inside the building while two others died later in hospital. More than 40 were injured.

Shockingly, it emerged over the weekend that residents complained to police and local officials several weeks ago about the noise - but nothing was done about the club.

Pongsiri arrived at the police station this morning in the back of a silver pickup truck with a blue tower covering his head. He left shortly after.

Asked by reporters about the fire, he murmured an apology and said he would compensate those affected.

He said: 'I feel sorry. I will help everyone.'

Scaffolding was put up around the doomed building at the weekend while investigators prepared to check the roof and the inside of the building.

One of the venues singers claimed that only one exit was open on the night of the tragic fire.

They alleged that the owners kept the bulding's other emergency exits locked in order to prevent people from leaving without paying. They also locked them in order to avoid paying for extra security staff to monitor the exits, it was claimed.

Police said they were questioning the owner Pongsiri on suspicion of 'carelessness that causes the death of others' and 'setting up a place of service without permission. It is claimed that the business was only registered as a restaurant but was operating illegally as a nightclub without the required paperwork.

Officers said that Pongsiri admitted the charges and was detained in custody.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Boonsong Yingyong, Deputy Inspector General from the Phlu Ta Luang district police station said: 'The suspect has applied for bail but we will oppose this. This is a criminal case and there is an investigation.

'Currently, officers are coordinating with planning inspectors t check the building and collect more evidence. Staff who worked at the building are also being interviewed.'

The police chief said that of those who were injured in the fire, 16 are currently in hospital in serious condition requiring the use of breathing tubes. There are 18 who are in hospital but breathing without assistance and in stable conditions. The other victims have been discared.