A major disturbance erupted late Tuesday night in Tak province when hundreds of Chinese detainees rioted inside a detention zone near the Thai-Myanmar border. The incident occurred in Mae Sot district at a holding facility located within the compound of the 346th Border Patrol Police Company in tambon Tha Sai Luat. According to officials, the unrest began around 11:30 p.m., prompting an immediate and forceful response from immigration police and security personnel.
Authorities reported that roughly 300 Chinese nationals were being held at the facility at the time of the incident. All of them were classified as illegal migrants awaiting repatriation to China. Tensions escalated rapidly as detainees began destroying property within the compound. Surveillance cameras, filing cabinets, and chairs were among the items damaged during the riot. Some detainees also engaged in physical altercations with one another, resulting in at least one person sustaining injuries.
Immigration police quickly called for reinforcements as the situation deteriorated. Additional police units, supported by soldiers, were deployed in an effort to contain the unrest and prevent any potential escape attempts. A fire truck equipped with a water cannon was also brought in and used to disperse the rioting detainees. After a sustained response, officials were able to restore order and bring the disturbance under control.
Preliminary reports indicated that the Chinese detainees were protesting the pace of their repatriation process. Many of them have been awaiting clearance and transportation back to China, and frustration over delays may have contributed to the escalation. Officials noted that the detainees had been repeatedly demanding that authorities accelerate arrangements for their return.
The following morning, officers began a detailed roll call to determine whether any detainees had escaped during the chaos. As the riot involved hundreds of individuals and resulted in significant property damage, authorities considered the possibility that some may have attempted to flee amid the disorder. The full results of the headcount were still being verified at the time of the initial report.
The incident highlights growing pressure on border facilities in Mae Sot, a district that frequently handles large numbers of migrants due to its proximity to Myanmar. Thai authorities have increasingly faced challenges in managing overcrowded detention centers, security concerns, and the logistical demands of repatriation processes.
While order has been restored, officials are continuing to assess the extent of the damage and are reviewing security protocols to prevent similar outbreaks. The status of the injured detainee has not been detailed, but further updates are expected as the investigation progresses. For now, security teams remain on high alert as they work to ensure all detainees remain accounted for and that repatriation arrangements move forward without further disruption.
