The fighting reportedly erupted from a dispute among juvenile inmates over new recruits.

Apichat also attended a meeting with provincial Governor Wongsiri Phromchana, army, police and related officials to set up three measures to prevent a recurrence of such brawls. The measures include reorganising the facility, separating leading youths – whose information would also be put on record – for safety reasons and bringing in 20 soldiers from the Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp to teach discipline. Psychologists and social welfare will be brought in to help break the ice, adjust attitudes and solve conflicts.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister General Paiboon Koomchaya said he had instructed the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection to look into the fatal brawl and to punish any officials whose malfeasance had led to the incident.

“Since I landed this job, I have been trying to reset the system, because children should not be dead in such facilities as its aim is to rehabilitate juvenile inmates,” he added.