The inmates that seized the prison in the morning demolished the Sala before setting fire.

They were heard shouting while watching the fire that they would more buildings if Natthee Jitsawang, did not come to see them within five minutes.

The inmates earlier demanded to negotiate only with Corrections Department's chief Natthee Jitsawang.

Some 400 inmates have seized control of the prison, demanding the transferring of three guards accused of beating up inmates.

The revolt took place at about 8 am and the inmates, who were armed with knives, iron bars and sticks, took control of the prison at 9 am.

The prison, located in Mamuay Pray village of Tambon Nasai in Muang district, houses about 400 male inmates who are about 18 to 22 years old.

The inmates, who cover the face with cloth and hat, gathered at the third-layer gate and shouted demand for the transfer of the three guards.

They also threw stones at prison guards, who were evacuated to be outside.

The inmates stopped throwing stones when seeing reporters nearby. They raised their hands and cheered to sign victory for photographers to take pictures.

The inmates then raised signs with words demanding transfer of three guards - Sakol Jongsiri, Jamras Mukda, and Thanom Mangsathorn.

They also conveyed messages through the signs that they wanted to meet Nakhon Si Thammarat governor Wichom Thongsong and wanted reporters to go inside to interview them.

The inmates also brought ten of them to reporters to see that they had been beaten up by the three guards.

Nakhon Si Thammarat police chief Pol Maj Gen Sudjai Yannarat led some 100 policemen to wait outside the prision.

Police said one of the leaders of the revolt was identified as Makiso Debark, who was convicted in launching bomb attacks in Yala's Betong district. He was transferred to the Nakhon Si Thammarat prison two months ago.

The Nation