[UPDATED] Malaysia checking on reports of over 10,000 stranded nationals in Thailand

BUKIT KAYU HITAM – Malaysian authorities today said they are looking into reports that over 10,000 Malaysians remain stranded in southern Thailand after their travel documents expired while waiting for the border to reopen.

The stranded Malaysians are believed to have gone over to Thailand before the first lockdown was imposed in March 2020, and have been left stranded after they were unable to renew their travel documents that expired while waiting for the border to reopen, according to media reports.

“We are monitoring the situation and what was reported in the media, and also the number of people now stranded in Thailand as reported in the media,” said Mohammad Abu Yazid, Malaysia’s consul-general in Songkhla.

The stranded Malaysians are believed to have gone to visit family or do business in the Satun, Sadao, Songkhla, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces in Southern Thailand.

The said individuals are reportedly required to pay a fine of 20,000 Thai baht (RM2,526) each before they can leave the country to go home.

Some of the stranded Malaysians claimed that the Malaysian consulate offices had rejected numerous applications to renew their travel permits, leaving them little choice but to stay put until they are granted legal passage.

“The consulate-general should help solve the issue by discussing with local authorities on allowing the Malaysians to return home, now that borders have reopened,” said one of them, who only wished to be identified as Rahman.

Later, Royal Thai Consul-General in Penang Raschada Jiwalai said while Thailand is empathetic towards the plight of stranded Malaysians, they should have gone to the Malaysian consul-general office in Songkhla to resolve their problems.

“However, I feel the number of stranded people is exaggerated. These people could have other problems with their travel documents.

“As I know, there were ministry level discussions between Thailand and Malaysia to allow the citizens of both countries to cross borders without hassle.”

On immigration fines up to 20,000 Thai baht before being allowed to leave the country, he said the Malaysian Immigration Department has a set of similar rules when one violates the laws.

“So, it is applicable on both sides.” – The Vibes, April 7, 2022