NAKHON SI THAMMARAT — 6 May 2026, Chaos broke out at a drug rehabilitation centre in southern Thailand on Wednesday morning when hundreds of patients attempted to flee, prompting a large-scale response from police and local officials.
Authorities were alerted at about to unrest at the facility in Moo 3, Kaew Saen subdistrict, Nakhon Si Thammarat province. Officers from multiple agencies were deployed to the scene.
Initial reports said around 500 people undergoing treatment tried to escape. Police and officials spread out to track those who fled, while senior officers, including regional police commanders, travelled to the centre to oversee operations.
No injuries or property damage were immediately reported.
Police said they were working to restore order and urged residents to report any suspicious individuals.
By 13:00, district chief Weeraphan Sukawal said the situation had returned to normal. Most of those who left the facility had been located and brought back, while about 30 had returned home safely with relatives.
Officials said the incident appeared to have been triggered by a group of around 10 patients who had been undergoing treatment for nearly a year. The centre had previously contacted their families to arrange their return home, but relatives had not responded.
Authorities believe the group, under stress and wanting to leave, took advantage of a power outage in the morning to force open a door and initiate the escape. Others followed once the exit was opened.
Officials said there was no violence or damage, and the incident was likely driven by stress among those undergoing treatment.
The rehabilitation centre is expected to be temporarily closed while authorities review the situation.
