Some convicts escaped from the Buriram prison in northeastern Thailand during a riot sparked by fears over the coronavirus. (Photo: AFP/Handout)

BANGKOK: Dozens of prisoners broke furniture and smashed windows during a riot in a Thai jail on Sunday sparked by fears of a COVID-19 outbreak in the facility.

During the violence some convicts escaped from the Buriram prison where 2,000 inmates are held, the justice ministry said. Seven have been arrested.