Malaysians stranded in southern Thailand appeal for help to come home

 

Police guarding the Malaysian side of the border with Songkhla, Thailand. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: More than 10,000 Malaysians are reported to be stranded in southern Thailand after their travel documents expired.

They were believed to have entered the country before the first movement control order in March 2020 and were subsequently left stranded following the closure of the border with Thailand.

To compound matters, the consulate-general in Songkhla province is unable to assist in renewing their travel documents, Utusan Malaysia reported.

A spokesman for the consulate-general told the Malay daily the Malaysians had to apply for emergency travel documents through the Thai government to return home.

“They also have to pay a fine of 20,000 Thai bahts (RM2,600) to the immigration department before being allowed to leave the country,” it quoted the spokesman as saying.

The Malaysians were believed to have entered Thailand to visit family members or conduct businesses in the provinces bordering the two countries, namely Satun, Sadao, Songkhla, Yala and Narathiwat.

The travel documents are valid for one year from the date of issue and may only be extended through a new application with the Malaysian immigration department for a fee of RM10.

One stranded Malaysian, who wished to be known only as Rahman, 48, claimed that the issue stemmed from the rejection of renewal applications by the consulate-general.

“Many have applied to renew their travel documents but were rejected by the consulate-general’s representatives.

“The consulate-general should help solve the issue by discussing with local authorities on allowing the Malaysians to return home now that borders have reopened,” he said.

Rahman said the stranded Malaysians were expected to pay a fine of between 20,000 and 40,000 bahts if they wished to leave the country. They would also be blacklisted and denied entry to Thailand for three to five years, he said.

Another Malaysian, Alias, 52, said many did not wish to risk returning illegally through “rat lanes” for fear of facing heavier punishment.

He urged the Malaysian government to help resolve the matter. - FMT