Hundreds flee drug rehab centre, situation contained

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT — On Wednesday morning, May 6, 2026, chaos erupted at a drug rehabilitation centre in southern Thailand when hundreds of patients attempted to escape, prompting authorities to deploy officers from multiple agencies to the scene.

Authorities responded to reports of unrest at the facility in Moo 3, Kaew Saen subdistrict, Nakhon Si Thammarat province. Around 500 people undergoing treatment reportedly tried to flee. Police fanned out across the area to track down those who escaped, while senior officers, including regional police commanders, arrived at the centre to oversee operations.

No injuries or property damage were reported. Police urged residents to report any suspicious individuals they spotted.

By 1 p.m., district chief Weeraphan Sukawal announced the situation had been brought under control. The majority of those who left the facility had been located and returned, with approximately 30 departing safely with their families.

Investigators determined that roughly 10 patients—who had been in treatment for nearly a year—sparked the incident. The centre had previously sought to arrange their discharge with families, but relatives had not responded. Stressed and desperate to leave, the group allegedly exploited a power outage in the morning to pry open a door and initiate the mass escape. Once the exit was open, others followed.

Officials confirmed there was no violence or destruction of property, attributing the incident to stress among residents. The rehabilitation centre will remain temporarily closed while authorities conduct a review of the situation.