Legal action will be taken against those who set fire to state assets during the riot at Mae La refugee camp in Tak's Tha Song Yang district on Tuesday, an official warned.
Somchai Kitcharoenrungroj, acting provincial governor, said a group of refugees in the camp protested against Covid-19 restrictions and destroyed state property at the site, demanding the transfer of the camp chief and the assistant chief of the district and the lifting of curbs.
Officials have lodged a complaint with Tha Song Yang police against the group, he said.
Even though police managed to gain control of the camp, some property had been destroyed, including two office buildings, one meeting room, three shelters for officers, 12 guard booths, 43 volunteer houses, 10 cars, 74 motorcycles and two firearms, he said.
Pol Col Paitoon Sukhumwattana, deputy commissioner of the provincial police, said a task force of officials from Tha Song Yang, Mae Ramat, Mae Sot and Phob Phra has been set up to safeguard against other riots.
Sarawut Thaicharoen, a deputy Tak governor, said refugees at the camp want the transfer of the camp chief and the easing of mask-wearing and restrictions on entering and exiting the site.
Tha Song Yang police yesterday met refugees and UN representatives to find a solution. A source said a 6pm curfew has been imposed in the area.
On Tuesday, local media reported the riot began after four Myanmar refugees entered the camp on motorcycles without wearing face masks.
Security volunteers reprimanded them and seized the motorcycles, the report said.
The refugees asked for the return of their motorbikes but were refused, it said, sparking an angry protest. They also called on other refugees to join them.
Many came out to join them, and the number swelled to the hundreds, the report said.
Another report said the four refugees were detained and assaulted by officials upon returning to the camp, fuelling anger and discontent.
The refugees said they want to freely exit and enter the camp without incurring a fee every time they do so.