Police tighten Malaysia–Thailand border security after Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat blasts

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 — Authorities have heightened security measures along the Malaysia-Thailand border after a series of explosions and attacks shook the southern Thai provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat, all of which are currently under control. Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri, director of the Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (JKDNKA), revealed that plans involve deploying personnel from the Southeast and Northern Brigades of the General Operations Force (GOF), as well as increasing patrols around border fencing, Sungai Golok, and potential infiltration routes.

The JKDNKA assures that border security remains intact and emphasized the department's commitment to enhancing prevention, early detection, and rapid response capabilities, along with strengthening intelligence sharing with Thai security agencies.

As of now, there have been no reports of Malaysians affected by the incidents. The Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok and the Malaysian Consulate General in Songkhla will continue to cooperate with Thai authorities to receive updates on the situation and maintain focus on the safety of Malaysians residing, visiting, or planning to travel in the affected areas.

Mohd Yusri advised Malaysian citizens to postpone non-essential travel to the southern region of Thailand, remain vigilant, comply with all security instructions issued by Thai authorities, and register/update their information through the e-Consular portal to ensure prompt consular assistance in emergencies.

Earlier reports claimed that Narathiwat was under a curfew from 10.15pm last Saturday to 5am the following day due to over 50 incidents, including bombings, burning of local government offices, and burning tires. The explosions near Narathiwat were so powerful that they rattled homes in the Malaysia-Thailand border areas of Kampung Lubok Gong and Kampung Tersang, Rantau Panjang.