After southern Thailand blasts, Wisma Putra tells Malaysians to think twice before crossing border

KUALA LUMPUR, August 23 — The Malaysian Foreign Ministry, commonly known as Wisma Putra, has urged Malaysians to reconsider non-essential travel to or through southern Thailand following a series of bomb blasts and attacks across the region over the past day. While no Malaysian nationals have been reported injured in the attacks in Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces, the ministry has advised those residing in or traveling to the affected areas to stay vigilant and adhere to local security instructions.

A Malaysian visitor stranded in the Thai border town of Sungai Golok recounted finding himself cut off when the blasts began around 9 pm, leading to road closures and preventing access to the border complex. In Kelantan, residents in border towns such as Rantau Panjang, Pengkalan Kubor, and Pasir Mas reported hearing and, in some cases, feeling the force of the explosions.

Thai authorities reported 51 incidents by midnight, including bombings, arson, and assaults on public facilities, prompting the imposition of curfews and enhanced security measures in the affected regions. Wisma Putra stated that the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok and the Consulate General in Songkhla are in close communication with Thai authorities to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of Malaysians in the country.

Malaysians already present in Thailand are being encouraged to update their contact information via the ministry's e-Konsular portal to enable smooth communication and consular support. Should Malaysians require emergency consular assistance, they can reach out to the embassy in Bangkok or the consulate general in Songkhla through the specified hotlines.