I thought we'd grow old together, says band leader whose girlfriend died in Thai bar inferno

The 32-year-old band leader spoke to BBC Thai at Nahathai's funeral, with monks chanting in the background. Many in the funeral hall were beside themselves with grief. Several members of Thotsakan were also present.An emotional Athipat says he regrets bringing his girlfriend into the band. "I shouldn't have let you be here..."I want to apologise and I want to say that I love her very much and will continue to love her every day."Athipat, who sustained injuries to his head and arms, is also devastated about his bandmates who lost their lives.Nathaphat, the drummer, had only come on board a month ago, while Pruttipong, the keyboardist, was about to leave the band. Vocalist Thitiwat had spoken about celebrating Athipat's birthday on Sunday. "Instead of celebrating my birthday, we ended up arranging a funeral," Athipat says.BBC Thai/Wasawat LukharangAthipat Wichan (left) spoke to BBC Thai at his girlfriend Nahathai's funeralAthipat founded the band when he was 20. An avid fan of Thai literature, he named it Thotsakan, the primary antagonist in the national epic, Ramakien.