EIGHT Malaysians were among 16 people injured after a hotel in Sadao in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, caught fire today.

In the 8.25am incident (local time), the 16 tourists in the border town for the Songkran (Thai new year) festival, suffered smoke inhalation.

Sadao deputy police chief Lt Col Winai Sakeeyasatien said one of the eight Malaysians, aged 25 to 58, was a woman and all were rushed to three hospitals nearby.

“Some of them were given outpatient treatment. The cause of the fire is still under investigation,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

Three of the Malaysians are receiving treatment at Padang Hospital and Hatyai Hospital while two others at the Songkhla Hospital.

It was reported that there were 30 occupants at the 200-room hotel when the fire broke out. 

Witnesses said thick smoke caused the guests to clamber out through balconies and windows. – Bernama, April 12, 2019.