BANGKOK - A fire said to have been started by an angry husband swept through at least 25 houses in Bang Khen district about 2.30am on Wednesday and injured 10 people, police said.

Pol Lt Col Winit Srisoongnoen, an investigating officer at Bang Khen station, said the fire was allegedly caused by a jobless man who was scolded by his wife because he went out drinking with his friends late at night.

Jenjira Boonma told police that she and Kachen Boonma, her husband, exchanged heated words and Mr Kachen became angry and left the house.

According to Ms Jenjira, her husband and his friend later turned up in front of the house and threatened to set fire to it.

A fire then broke out, tearing through at least 25 wooden houses in the area. 

Ten people, including Mr Kachen, were injured as a result.

Fire fighters took over an hour to bring the flames under control, police said.