Dozens of co-ordinated arson attacks hit southern Thailand

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 — Malaysians considering traveling to or crossing into southern Thailand have been warned to exercise extreme caution and postpone non-essential trips following a series of bomb blasts and other attacks across the region last night. The Foreign Ministry, also known as Wisma Putra, stated that no Malaysian nationals were reported to have been affected by the incidents in Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces.

However, they advised those residing in, traveling through, or planning to visit the affected areas to remain vigilant and adhere to all safety advisories, curfews, and security instructions issued by local authorities.

The advisory was issued in the wake of a Malaysian visitor to Sungai Golok who found himself stranded in the Thai border town of Sungai Golok when explosions began around 9pm. Security forces subsequently shut down roads, preventing vehicles from reaching the border complex. Residents in border towns within Kelantan, such as Rantau Panjang, Pengkalan Kubor, and Pasir Mas, reported that the blasts were powerful enough to be heard and, in some instances, felt through the walls of their homes.

Thai authorities reported 51 incidents by midnight, encompassing explosions, arson, and assaults on public facilities, leading to the imposition of curfews and heightened security measures in the affected areas. Wisma Putra noted that the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok and the Consulate General in Songkhla are closely monitoring the situation and working diligently to safeguard Malaysians in Thailand.

Malaysians currently residing in Thailand have been urged to register their details through the ministry’s e-Konsular portal to ensure effective communication and consular assistance. Malaysians in need of emergency consular support can reach out to the embassy in Bangkok or the consulate general in Songkhla via their respective hotlines.