Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

In a dramatic turn of events, over 100 Chinese detainees caused chaos at a detention facility in Tak province, Thailand. The incident occurred in the early hours of December 10, as detainees demanded repatriation to China. Authorities had to employ forceful measures to restore order.

 

The disturbance took place at a facility operated by Tak Immigration, located near the Thai-Myanmar border in Tha Sai Luat subdistrict. These detainees are suspected members of scam networks who entered Thailand illegally, fleeing crackdowns in Myawaddy, Myanmar. During the riot, they damaged property, including CCTV cameras, and attempted to escape.

 

Security forces in Mae Sot district responded with reinforcements, including riot units and fire trucks. Communication was attempted in Mandarin, urging the detainees to return to their holding areas. Despite efforts, tensions escalated with detainees persistently demanding to return to China.

 

High-pressure water from fire trucks was deployed to disperse the crowd, eventually bringing control to the situation. Two detainees suffered injuries, reportedly from internal fights, and received medical attention. Officials highlighted the growing challenge with more foreign nationals crossing the Thai-Myanmar border, prompting the creation of three heavily guarded detention centres in Mae Sot.

 

Furthermore, authorities recently arrested 53 more Chinese nationals in Mahawan subdistrict, who illegally crossed the Moei River. This group, too, fled intensified actions across the border in Myanmar. Thai officials stress that all detainees are being managed according to national laws and international human rights standards, with diplomatic efforts underway for their repatriation.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Over 100 Chinese detainees rioted in Tak, demanding to return to China.
• Authorities used water cannons to regain control; two detainees were injured.
• Growing number of foreign nationals entering Thailand poses ongoing challenges.
   

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-12-11

 

 

 

UPDATE
Charges Filed Over Mae Sot Immigration Riot by Chinese Detainees 

 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Immigration authorities have filed criminal charges against 15 Chinese nationals accused of leading a violent disturbance at the Tak Immigration Detention Center in Mae Sot late on 9 December 2025. The incident forced officers to deploy armed security personnel, cut the building’s power and use water hoses to regain control. One detainee suffered multiple head lacerations and was transferred to Mae Sot Hospital for treatment.

 

The unrest broke out at around 23:20 when a fight erupted among detainees held in a controlled area of the facility. The group of 325 Chinese migrants had been detained while awaiting deportation after fleeing Myanmar during a crackdown on scam centres and crossing illegally into Thailand. Officials said the conflict escalated when several detainees incited others to break metal bars using their hands and personal items.

 

Negotiations were attempted using interpreters, but the situation deteriorated quickly. Detainees destroyed an inner door and smashed CCTV cameras in what authorities described as an effort to obstruct monitoring. Fearing further escalation, officers cut electricity to the building and deployed water hoses to disperse the rioters.

 

Pol. Maj. Gen. Sarawut Khonyai, commander of Immigration Division 5, ordered local immigration officers to coordinate with security agencies and prepare fire engines and water equipment as a precaution. Armed security teams moved in as the operation intensified through the night. By 04:30 on 10 December, all detainees had surrendered and the scene was secured.

 

Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumas Boonyaluck, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, instructed officers to thoroughly investigate those responsible and pursue charges without leniency due to the severity of destroying government property. Authorities also ordered the separation of key instigators, who will now be held in higher-security detention cells with assistance from local police stations in Tak. Officials confirmed that biometric data from all detainees has been recorded for future blacklisting.

 

The 15 alleged ringleaders have been charged with causing damage to property, an offence carrying a penalty of up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both. Immigration officials said additional charges would be filed if further assaults or damage are confirmed during the investigation. The riot followed the repatriation of 1,208 Chinese nationals on six charter flights between 1 and 4 December, after Chinese authorities moved to return individuals suspected of involvement in scam operations.

 

Khoasod reported that as the investigation continues, authorities are expected to review security measures at immigration detention centres handling high-risk detainees. Further coordination with Thai and Chinese agencies is anticipated as deportation processing continues. Officials have not yet indicated when remaining detainees will be repatriated.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Fifteen Chinese detainees have been charged following a riot at the Mae Sot immigration centre.

• Authorities used power cuts and water hoses to regain control after CCTV cameras and doors were destroyed.

• All detainees have now been processed for biometric identification, with key instigators moved to higher-security cells.

 

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-12-11

 

6 hours ago, webfact said:

The incident occurred in the early hours of December 10, as detainees demanded repatriation to China.

They have no right to demand anything!

The Thais know what to do about protecting their border and dealing with illegals.  Hat's off to them.

 

Soviet Britain would call them asylum seekers and give them five-star accommodation, three squares a day, and an electric scooter so they could cruise around snatching smartphones and Rolex watches. 

 

Imagine if England housed all their illegal migrants in a detention centre....oh wait, they already did - it's called London. 

Send them back to China... problem solved.

The thais will let them go after a fine and photo checks fingerprints too.What happens to them they will not want to return again.border control is good in thailand overstay jail fine ticket home  and ban.Soft countries in the west like the uk and europe will let them stay with appeals

On 12/11/2025 at 9:16 AM, Gsxrnz said:

The Thais know what to do about protecting their border and dealing with illegals.  Hat's off to them.

 

Soviet Britain would call them asylum seekers and give them five-star accommodation, three squares a day, and an electric scooter so they could cruise around snatching smartphones and Rolex watches. 

 

Imagine if England housed all their illegal migrants in a detention centre....oh wait, they already did - it's called London. 

migrants made england from the norsemen to the romans to the irish to the windrush generation

... "detainees demanded repatriation to China" ...

 

No prob, pay for the damages you did to the facility, pay for the cost to round you up at the border, pay for your room & board at the facility, organize your flights back to China, and then, be on your way.

 

Until then, behave yourself & STFU, or you'll be there much longer 

Be grateful you weren't sent back to Myanmar 

On 12/11/2025 at 2:36 AM, webfact said:

Growing number of foreign nationals entering Thailand poses ongoing challenges.

 

Good, keep coming, keep coming, keep coming so that the Thai Miltary will have to re-deploy to the border with Burma!

12 hours ago, portisaacozzy said:

migrants made england from the norsemen to the romans to the irish to the windrush generation

 

All Europeans, but... 

On 12/10/2025 at 7:36 PM, webfact said:

The incident occurred in the early hours of December 10, as detainees demanded repatriation to China.

 

Well, if they have money for the transport home, fine. send them home  immediately

On 12/10/2025 at 7:36 PM, webfact said:

Authorities had to employ forceful measures to restore order.

 

This sounds good>