Malaysia Advises Citizens to Postpone Non-Essential Travel to Southern Thailand
SONGKHLA: The Consulate General of Malaysia in Songkhla has advised Malaysians who are in or planning to travel to Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat to increase their vigilance following several security incidents that have occurred in southern Thailand recently.
Consul General of Malaysia in Songkhla, Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi said, Malaysians are advised to reconsider non-essential travel to the affected areas to avoid any security risks.
According to him, Malaysians should avoid areas where security incidents, demonstrations or large gatherings are occurring, and always comply with instructions from the Thai authorities including any curfews, road closures and security checks.
He also advised Malaysians to avoid travelling at night in the affected areas, besides always following official announcements and informing their travel itineraries to close family members.
In a related development, Ahmad Fahmi reminded Malaysians entering Thailand using their own vehicles to bring their original Malaysian driving licence in physical form and not to rely entirely on digital licences through the MyJPJ application.
He said, important documents including vehicle registration certificates, insurance and other required documents should always be carried to facilitate inspection procedures by Thai authorities.
He also reminded vehicle drivers and riders from Malaysia to wear seat belts or helmets and to comply with all traffic regulations in place.
According to him, the Thai authorities are currently intensifying enforcement of traffic regulations including against vehicles entering the country from Malaysia.
In fact, several Malaysians have been reported to have been issued summonses for various offences related to documentation and traffic.
In that regard, Ahmad Fahmi advised any individual issued a summons to settle the payment through official channels and to keep the payment receipt as a record.
He said this during the Malaysia Merdeka 2026 Cycling Programme around the Ko Taeo sub-district, Songkhla, which was led by the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail and the Second Heir of Perlis, Syed Sirajuddin Areeb Putra Al-Haj Jamalullail.
In the programme, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra began and ended the cycling ride at the grounds of the Ko Taeo Sub-district Municipal Office before being received by the municipality’s Finance Division Director, Saowapha Mahantamak.
His Royal Highness also visited Koh Taeo Pittayasan School, a state sports school of Thailand for the region, and was honoured to plant a Green Bucida tree as a symbol of close friendship between Perlis and Songkhla.
Astro Awani