THAI police in Sungai Golok acted swiftly on Monday to rescue a Malaysian child who had been accidentally locked inside a Malaysian-registered vehicle, as thousands of Malaysians crossed the border into southern Thailand for the long holiday.
The incident took place in the afternoon in the heart of Sungai Golok town, which has seen a surge in visitors from Malaysia during the Hari Malaysia festivities.
District Officer Supeeyan Daemokleng confirmed that the child had been left alone in the car by her mother.
"A team of officers from Sungai Golok Police Station rushed to the scene immediately after receiving an emergency call from members of the public," he said when contacted.
"They took over ten minutes to safely unlock the vehicle and rescue the girl, who was then returned to her mother unharmed."
Supeeyan, who also chairs the Sungai Golok Narcotics Administration Centre, advised Malaysian visitors to remain vigilant, especially regarding their children's safety, to prevent such incidents.
"Thousands of Malaysians have entered Thailand through the Sungai Golok border checkpoint since last week," he said.
"I urge everyone to stay alert and always prioritise family safety while enjoying their time here."
The influx of Malaysians into Sungai Golok and other southern Thai towns began earlier this week, driven by Malaysia Day celebrations and the extended holiday period. - September 16, 2025
