When prisoners at Pattani Central Prison in Thailand were competing in a New Year’s Day football match, a scrap broke out – and one inmate died of stab wounds
Prison football match sparks riot leaving one inmate dead in Thailand
An inmate was killed and 12 more were injured after a sports game descended into a prison riot in Thailand this week.
A brawl broke out when prisoners were competing in a New Year’s Day football match, and one man was stabbed in the torso with a sharp weapon. The scrap on the courtyard at Pattani Central Prison led to 12 lags suffering bruises and head injuries.
The man who was stabbed later died, authorities said. An investigation into the violence, which happened at the same prison which saw lags burn possessions and assault staff in a shocking mass riot in 2016, is now underway. Police Colonel Jeffrey Saimankun, superintendent of the Pattani Police Station, said five ambulances arrived to take 12 wounded people to hospital on Wednesday.
Mr Saimankun said: “Investigations found that the deceased prisoner was from Zone 1. The Pattani Central Prison organised a futsal competition yesterday, December 31, for relaxation and exercise. During the match, there was a conflict that caused the cheerleaders on the side lines to clash with the players.”
Deputy provincial governor Chaiyaporn Niyomkaew said order has been restored to the prison. He added that he has directed prison staff to investigate the incident. All social activities at the facility have been cancelled while the probe was ongoing.
Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong said some of the prisoners will be transferred to the Songkhla Central Prison and Narathiwat Provincial Prison following the riot.
He said: “It was found that the weapon used in the stabbing had been buried in the soil to keep it hidden from the guards. The relevant organisations have been ordered to assist in transferring the inmates. We will also scour the prison for more hidden prohibited items.” Police said they were investigating who was involved to file charges.