TAK, THAILAND – More than 100 Chinese detainees rioted overnight at an immigration detention center on the Thai‑Myanmar border, demanding immediate deportation to China.
Night-time revolt in Mae Sot detention center
The unrest began shortly after midnight in the Tha Sai Luat district of Mae Sot, at a facility run by the Immigration Bureau in Tak province. Tensions escalated sharply as the detainees, all suspected members of fraud networks operating from Myanmar, damaged surveillance cameras and tried to break out of the compound. Security forces called in reinforcements, including special units and two fire trucks, to contain the situation.
Water cannon used after Mandarin appeals fail
Officers first attempted to calm the crowd using announcements in Mandarin, urging the detainees to return to their quarters. However, the protesters continued to shout for their return to China, and the situation worsened hour by hour. With no other options left, authorities deployed high-pressure water cannons to disperse the crowd and regain control of the facility.
Two injured in internal clashes among detainees
During the tumult, two inmates were injured in what officials described as fights among detainees themselves. Medical staff on site treated the injured men immediately, though the precise cause of the internal clashes remained unclear. After calm was restored, security across the entire detention center was significantly tightened.
Flight from Myanmar crackdown on scam centers
The riot formed part of a wider influx of foreign nationals crossing the border from Myawaddy in Myanmar into Thailand. According to officials, the rioters had fled to escape a crackdown by Myanmar authorities on scam centers and were then detained in Thailand for illegally crossing the border. Recently, officers also arrested another 53 Chinese nationals in Mahawan, who had likewise escaped across the Moei River.
Three high-security camps and legal proceedings
Thai authorities described the situation as a growing challenge and said three heavily guarded detention centers had already been established in Mae Sot to cope with rising numbers.
“We treated all those arrested in accordance with Thai law and international human rights standards.”
said unnamed officers, Thai authorities. Legal proceedings were ongoing, and diplomatic channels for deportation to the detainees’ countries of origin had been activated.
Border province under sustained crisis pressure
Tak province remained in a state of prolonged crisis, having recently seen civilians wounded in grenade attacks launched from Myanmar. Now, humanitarian pressures from refugees combined with security concerns over criminal networks further strained the border region. The Thai government faced the major task of maintaining stability and security along this volatile frontier.