Southern Thailand violence puts a damper on cross-border travel from Malaysia

PASIR MAS, Aug 26 — The disruptions at the Rantau Panjang Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) Complex in southern Thailand have significantly reduced the flow of people moving between Malaysia and Thailand, according to AKPS Commander Siti Khadijah Hamzah. From Saturday to Monday, only 3,298 movement entries into Malaysia were logged, compared to 2,969 outgoing movements.

The numbers took a sharp turn, with only 1,230 incoming movements on Sunday and 1,273 on Monday. Outgoing movements were slightly higher, at 1,696 on Saturday but fell to 1,273 on the following days. The decline in travel is believed to be tied to a series of coordinated attacks across Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala provinces, where 51 locations were targeted with bombings, shootings, and arson attacks.

The area surrounding the ICQS Complex was notably quiet, with no sign of the usual bustling traffic that usually occurs, even during public holidays, when up to 5,000 people would cross the border. This development has caused some Malaysians to reconsider their travel plans to southern Thailand for tourism, shopping, and family visits.

The province of Narathiwat saw a curfew imposed from 10:15 PM to 5:00 AM following the multiple incidents of bombings, burning of local government offices, and tire burning. The powerful explosions from Narathiwat could be felt as far as Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas, and Kelantan, causing residents to experience anxiety and concern.