A hundred drug addicts have reportedly escaped a compulsory rehab centre in the southern Vietnamese province of Long An.

The break out on Sunday afternoon is the latest in a number of breakouts from treatment centres across the country, where many drug addicts are forced into for up to two years.

Escaped patients from the centre in Long An hid in paddy fields and forests, reportedly upset that they were spending the Tet holiday away from home.

Around 74 patients have been recaptured or persuaded to return since the incident and the search for the remaining patients continues.

Vietnamese drug treatment centres have been criticised for overcrowding and poor conditions.

In November last year, 100 inmates escaped a facility in southern Dong Nai province, after a riot in which police used tear gas.

According to official figures, there are almost 13,000 people in treatment centres across the country.

– TiVi Tuan-san