Four dead, dozens hurt in Thai fireworks blast

BANGKOK - A huge fireworks explosion at a Chinese New Year celebration in Thailand left four people dead and almost 90 injured, while more than 100 homes were set ablaze, officials said Wednesday.

Authorities believe the blast late Tuesday was caused when flames from a misfiring firework set off a pile of unused rockets at the display in the town of Suphan Buri, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) northwest of Bangkok.

Three male organisers were killed instantly, said local government official Somjate Phromsunthorn, while a female spectator died of her injuries early Wednesday.

Restaurant owner killed over $56 beer bill

KUALA LUMPUR, January 28, 2012 - A restaurant owner was brutally slashed to death by a group of customers who refused to pay the RM136 bill (S$56) for their drinks.

The incident occurred at about 12.45am yesterday at Taman Daya, Kepong, when Tan Ching Choon, 46, told the group of seven men that the shop was closing for the day.

However, it is learnt that the men refused to pay the bill for the beers and became rowdy before they used chairs and bottles to assault Tan.

Hadi says may not contest GE13

Hadi has been a state assemblyman since 1982. — File pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28 — Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang has indicated his desire to back out from running in the 13th general election despite Pakatan Rakyat’s (PR) insistence it will take over federal government.

The PAS president said this was based on the fact that he has been an elected representative for over 30 years although his PR colleagues, including PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, have served for longer.

“I have been a state assemblyman for over 30 years beginning in 1982 and over a decade as an MP,” he told Sinar Harian in an interview.