Police surround Buriram prison in northeast Thailand on Sunday (March 29) after inmates rioted and escaped amid fears of COVID-19.

The convicts began smashing up the inside of the building over concerns that they could be at risk of catching the novel coronavirus.

Police spokesman Kritsana Pattanacharoen said the prison in Buriram province had about 2,000 inmates and the unrest began when some of them set fire to a compound.

Local media reported that concerns about the risk of contracting the virus had led to the riot.

Some of the inmates escaped while others were recaptured after officers set up road blocks surrounding the buildings.

Police were still searching for Thanyapong Sinpoon, 26, who escaped from Buriram Prison during the chaos.

Police surround Buriram prison in northeast Thailand on Sunday (March 29) after inmates rioted and escaped amid fears that Covid-19 was spreading through the facility.

The convicts began smashing up the inside of the building over concerns that they could be at risk of catching the novel coronavirus.

Police spokesman Kritsana Pattanacharoen said the prison in Buriram province houses about 2,000 inmates and the unrest began when some of them set fire to a compound. Local media reported that concerns about the risk of contracting the virus had led to the riot.

Some of the inmates escaped while others were recaptured after officers set up road blocks surrounding the building. On Monday, police were still hunting for Thanyapong Sinpoon, 26, who escaped from Buriram Prison during the chaos.