One inmate was killed and 12 more were injured in a prison riot in Thailand.

The prisoners were competing in a New Year's D ay football match when a brawl broke out among the players and spectators at the Pattani Central Prison in Pattani province on January 1.

One man was stabbed in the torso with a sharp weapon as the melee erupted on the courtyard. Prison guards quickly descended to control the violent convicts.

Police Colonel Jeffrey Saimankun, superintendent of the Pattani Police Station, said the prisoners suffered multiple bruises and head injuries.

Five ambulances later arrived to take 12 wounded people, including one in critical condition, to the hospital. One inmate died from being stabbed.

The police superintendent 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 sidelines 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.