MAE SOT – A serious outbreak of unrest shook Tak province late yesterday afternoon when an estimated 300 Chinese nationals held at the local Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) staged a violent riot.
The situation grew so severe that units from the Royal Thai Army, regular police, Border Patrol Police (BPP), and the fire service had to join forces to regain control. The disturbance began at around 4.00 pm and led to heavy damage to state property, along with reports of fighting among detainees.
The Tak Immigration Detention Centre usually holds people waiting for deportation or immigration processing. Yesterday, it descended into turmoil when a large group of detainees suddenly turned aggressive and refused to cooperate with staff.
Early reports suggest there was no clear single demand. Instead, officers describe a sudden, organised outburst of anger that quickly overwhelmed the on-site security team.
Widespread Damage and Fighting Among Detainees
Witnesses describe a fast-moving and intense riot. Many detainees are believed to be undocumented workers or people arrested for illegal entry into Thailand. Large groups moved through secure areas of the centre, breaking state property and damaging key parts of the facility.
Officers believe the destruction was aimed at disrupting security systems and daily operations inside the Immigration Detention Centre.
CCTV cameras were smashed and torn from the walls, leaving guards unable to monitor many zones. Filing cabinets loaded with important personal and legal documents were knocked over and emptied, with paperwork scattered across the floors.
This has caused serious delays to immigration records and deportation procedures.
Waiting chairs and other shared furniture were also destroyed. Officers at the scene say some broken pieces were used as makeshift weapons or barricades during clashes.
The violence did not stay focused on the staff and property. Internal reports and eyewitness accounts indicate that the unrest quickly turned into fighting among the Chinese detainees themselves.
Different factions within the group clashed, in some cases tied to regional backgrounds or earlier tensions. This in-fighting added another level of risk for the officers trying to restore order and highlighted how control inside the overcrowded facility had collapsed.
Strong Response Brings Situation Under Control
Once the scale of the incident became clear, local immigration officials requested urgent support. They admitted that the riot was beyond the capacity of the centre’s own guards.
Within an hour, a large joint force arrived at the IDC. The reinforcements included soldiers from the Royal Thai Army, local and provincial police, Border Patrol Police units, and fire crews prepared for both fires and crowd-control support.
Officers followed a step-by-step plan. First, they secured the outer perimeter of the centre to prevent any escape attempts. Next, they moved to isolate the most violent areas inside the facility, then pushed forward to calm and restrain the detainees using non-lethal tactics.
Police and BPP officers in full riot gear, carrying shields and batons, took the lead in the operation. Fire engines stood by in case of arson, and water cannons were used to break up dense groups of rioters and push them back into controlled areas.
After several tense hours, the combined units brought the situation under control and detained the main troublemakers. Order was restored shortly before nightfall, with heavily armed personnel positioned throughout the compound.
While full medical reports have not yet been released, officials say several detainees and a small number of officers suffered minor injuries during the confrontation.
Damage, Investigation, and Criminal Charges
In the aftermath, the Tak Immigration Detention Centre has been left in a state of serious disarray. Immigration officials are now recording and pricing the damage to state assets, which is expected to reach many millions of baht.
Attention has already shifted to legal action. Authorities have confirmed that 15 detainees identified as organisers or active participants in the violence will face extra criminal charges under Thai law.
These are expected to include destruction of state property, causing a public disturbance, and various forms of assault. Officials say this response is intended to send a clear message that while immigration detention is an administrative process, crimes committed inside custody will be prosecuted.
An internal review is also underway. Investigators are looking at what triggered the riot, whether it was planned in advance, and who played leading roles. The inquiry will also examine how the centre is run, including security procedures and how many people the facility can safely hold.
The incident has again drawn attention to the pressure on immigration detention centres in Thailand’s border provinces, many of which hold large numbers of foreign nationals for long periods while cases move through the system.
“This incident is deeply regrettable,” a spokesperson for the local security command said on condition of anonymity. “Our officers acted in line with the size and seriousness of the threat. Those who took part in the violence and damaged Thai government property will face the law. Work is already under way to repair the facility and strengthen security.”
The Chiang Rai Times will keep following this story as more information becomes available on the legal proceedings and the future of the detainees involved. The events in Tak stand as a stark reminder of the tensions that can build inside crowded immigration facilities and the challenges facing officers who manage them.
