56 Malaysians jailed in southern Thailand
SONGKHLA: At least 56 Malaysians are currently serving jail terms in six prisons in southern Thailand, with most convicted of drug-related offences or for acting as mule account holders in online scams.
At least 56 Malaysians are currently serving jail terms in six prisons in southern Thailand, according to the Malaysian Consul-General in Songkhla, Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi. The majority of these convicts were found guilty of drug-related offenses or participating as mule account holders in online scams.
The prisons housing these individuals include Narathiwat Provincial Central Prison with 30 Malaysians, Na Thawi Prison in Songkhla with 12, Songkhla Central Prison with nine, Surat Thani Provincial Central Prison and Yala Provincial Central Prison each housing two, and Satun Provincial Central Prison housing one.
Out of the 56 incarcerated Malaysians, 44 were convicted of drug offenses, mostly involving smuggling. Four were accused of acting as mule account holders, two for immigration-related offenses, two for theft, one for firearms possession, and three for other unspecified offenses. Sentences varied from one to 37 years, with one individual receiving a life sentence and another potentially facing the death penalty for involvement in a murder case.
The Malaysian Consulate-General in Songkhla conducts regular consular visits to these prisons to assist with locating the prisoners and connecting them with their families in Malaysia. Two such meetings were held in March and June at Narathiwat and Songkhla Central Prisons to provide legal advice to inmates nearing release. The consulate issues an Emergency Certificate to facilitate their return to Malaysia when applicable. The consulate conducts approximately five consular visits to prisons each year.
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