Malaysia

Malaysians urged to rethink travel to southern Thailand after 51 violent incidents

Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the warning should not be taken lightly, given the uncertain security situation in the area and the frequency of attacks.

Updated 1 hour ago · Published on 23 Aug 2026 12:47PM

Malaysians urged to rethink travel to southern Thailand after 51 violent incidents
The advice remained in line with the position previously taken by the Foreign Ministry. - August 23, 2026

MALAYSIANS planning to travel to Thailand have been advised to put their trips on hold following 51 bomb explosions and other violent incidents reported across three provinces in southern Thailand last night.

Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the warning should not be taken lightly, given the uncertain security situation in the area and the frequency of attacks.

He said the advice remained in line with the position previously taken by the Foreign Ministry.

“We are not stopping anyone from going there, but we advise them to be careful.

“Last night, I met members of Ducati Malaysia who had arrived in Kelantan and were planning to enter Thailand today. I advised them not to go to Hat Yai because 51 incidents were reported in southern Thailand last night,” he told reporters after a press conference at the Kelantan police contingent headquarters today.

The incidents were reported in Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani, with the attacks taking place over a period of nearly two hours.

They included bomb blasts, fires at government offices and vehicles, attacks on telecommunications towers, robberies, explosions at convenience stores and the burning of tyres.

The attacks were believed to have been linked to separatist groups.

Mohd Yusoff also reminded Malaysians entering Thailand to be mindful of increased enforcement by Thai authorities, particularly over traffic offences.

He said Malaysian vehicles found violating Thai traffic regulations could be issued summonses.

“Thai authorities are actively looking for offences, especially traffic violations. They will take action against Malaysian vehicles that do not comply with their laws,” he said. – August 23, 2026

Related News

Malaysia / 4d

Attempt to smuggle methamphetamine worth RM12.26m into Malaysia foiled

Malaysia / 5d

Nepturis received RM16.4m for Klang Utara police headquarters, court told

Malaysia / 5d

Pahang police reject claims of drug cartel operating in Genting Highlands

Malaysia / 1w

Pilot drug case: Police probe yields new leads

Malaysia / 1w

Inspector, policewoman plead guilty to khalwat

Malaysia / 1w

Two suspects try to escape after proceedings at Kulim Court (video)

Spotlight

World

Series of explosions, fires hit three southern Thai provinces

Opinion

One more temple falls: The destruction of Malaysia’s soul?

Opinion

Why is Israel pushing toward confrontation with Türkiye?

Malaysia

‘Uncle Anwar’ sends representative to children’s entrepreneurs day in Subang Jaya

Malaysia

‘Look at temple dispute based on facts and laws’ – DAP reps tell Rayer

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Malaysia, Brunei set deadline to demarcate boundary, enhance border security

Malaysia

Police probe indecent act allegedly targeting woman in Sungai Petani

Malaysia

Sarawak postpones three major programmes over haze concerns

You may be interested

Malaysia

Six locals charged over alleged kidnapping of Singaporean couple in Johor

Malaysia

Anwar vows stronger Federal ties with Sabah, Sarawak ahead of MA63 talks

Malaysia

MP to raise commingled oil cargo tax uncertainty in Parliament

Malaysia

Fahmi: Malaysia’s one-China policy on Taiwan remains unchanged

Malaysia

Plans underway to set up financial hub on Pulau Jerejak

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Teen found dead after disappearing during tahfiz programme in Negeri Sembilan

Malaysia

Malaysia escalates haze concerns to Indonesia as Sarawak air quality worsens

Malaysia

APM officer dies after being bitten by king cobra during reptile demonstration