A Canadian businessman was shot to death in Bangkok when a man opened fire during a Christmas party, police said Tuesday.

Mark Jay Keffer, 42, was with his wife and six others Monday night at a relative's condominium when a man sneaked into the party from a balcony and began robbing the guests, police Lt.-Col. Sarawuth Dejsri said.

As the man was collecting $400 US and a digital camera from the guests, Keffer's wife apparently hit the robber over the head with her handbag.

The suspect became angry and started firing his gun, killing Keffer and injuring his wife and a couple from Brunei. The wounds to Keffer's wife were not life threatening.

Police are searching for the suspect.

Keffer worked in Brunei, authorities said. His hometown was not available.

With files from the Canadian Press