Inmates In Buri Ram Prison Start Riot & Escape After COVID-19 Rumours Stir Panic

Jailbreak in Buri Ram 



Image adapted from: posttoday

Rumours can always lead to misunderstands, especially during frenzied times like this. A rumour about a COVID-19 infection had broken out in a prison in Buri Ram, leading to chaos among inmates who started a riot amidst the panic. 


Started because of a COVID-19 rumour



Image credit: posttoday

On 29th March 2020, there was a protest in a prison in Buri Ram, which was believed to have started from a rumour that there were some inmates who were infected with COVID-19. This led to inmates panicking and hence breaking out in fear of catching the virus as well.

The chaos first started at11:45AM in the dining hall, while the prison wardens were busy preparing an isolation cell for prisoners found to have communicable diseases, said Justice Minister Somsak Thepsutin.


The visiting room for relatives to meet prisoners was destroyed
Image credit: innnews

Once the riot broke out, over 100 inmates caused damage to furniture and windows. Moreover, they also destroyed the visiting room and set fire to the dining room, causing thick smoke to engulf the surroundings. The fire was extinguished shortly after, with officials quickly taking control of the situation.


7 escapees have been caught



Image credit: buriramguru

Mr. Somak also said that there were over 100 prisoners that had taken part in the riot, with many attempting to escape the premises. The total number of escaped prisoners have yet to be confirmed, but 7 of the escapees have been caught. Pol Maj Gen Akkaradej Pimonsri, deputy commissioner of the Provincial Police Region 3, added that the situation was “under control”.

While it is understandable that everyone is on edge during this time, it is important to be vigilant and look out for credible news sources so that we don’t fall victim to crazy rumours like this.


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