Authorities in Thailand were deployed early Tuesday morning after reports of unrest and a mass escape attempt at a drug rehabilitation centre in Kaew Saen Subdistrict, Nabon District, Nakhon Si Thammarat.
At around 7.20am on May 6, 2026, the 191 emergency radio centre received alerts that a large number of individuals undergoing rehabilitation were causing disturbances and attempting to flee the facility. Police units and relevant agencies were immediately dispatched to the scene to bring the situation under control.
Initial reports suggested that as many as 500 residents attempted to escape, prompting a large-scale search operation. Senior police officials, including the Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 8, later arrived to oversee the response and coordinate containment efforts.
Authorities confirmed that no injuries or significant damage were reported during the incident. Officers focused on tracking individuals who had left the facility and ensuring public safety in surrounding areas.
By early afternoon, local officials reported that the situation had stabilised. Most of those who left the centre were successfully located and returned, while others were later collected by family members after contact was made.
Investigations indicated that a small group of long-term residents had expressed frustration over being confined and reportedly planned the escape. The incident was triggered after a power outage, during which doors were forced open and others followed.
Officials clarified that the situation did not involve violence or destruction, describing it as a spontaneous attempt driven mainly by stress and a desire among some patients to return home. Authorities are continuing to review procedures at the facility to prevent similar incidents in future.
