A British retiree's room caught fire sparking a mass evacuation at an apartment in Pattaya, Thailand.

The blaze reportedly began in the room of Brit pensioner Michael Raymond Bell, 75, on the 12th floor of the Center Condotel early morning on May 17.

Tenants were evacuated as the inferno spread to the 13th floor. Firefighters said the fire was contained within an hour.

Security guard Kraithong Junlanan, 45, said a resident who smelled smoke and saw a bright light flickering in Michael's room reported the fire.

He said: 'I tried to put out the fire using a fire extinguisher, but it grew too quickly. I helped the people evacuate instead while waiting for the fire department to arrive.'

Police Lieutenant Aniruj Jeroh of the Pattaya City Police Station said: 'We still cannot conclude what started the fire as we have to wait for Chonburi forensic police to inspect the scene. 

'The owner of the room will be questioned. He managed to escape the fire and is now safe.'

The blaze is estimated to have caused more than one million baht (22,000 GBP) in damages.