.png)
KOTA BHARU – Members of the public are advised to avoid travelling to Thailand for holidays for the time being following security tensions in several of the country's provinces, especially with the upcoming school holidays starting this weekend.
Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said that this matter requires careful attention given that many Malaysians, particularly from Kelantan, typically take the opportunity to visit Thailand with their families during holiday seasons.
"Malaysians love visiting Thailand due to its many attractions.
"However, under current circumstances, if there is no urgent need, please postpone your travel until the situation returns to peaceful conditions," he told reporters after the Executive Council meeting at Kota Darulnaim here on Wednesday.
Starting last Saturday, attacks occurring in Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala involved more than 50 incidents, including bomb explosions, building arson, and tyre burning.
The incidents also caused tremors felt by residents in several areas near the Kelantan-Thailand border.
According to Fadzli, the relationship between the people of Kelantan and residents in southern Thailand is exceptionally close, encompassing family ties alongside cross-border economic and social activities.
However, he noted that public safety must remain the top priority while the situation in the neighbouring country has not fully stabilised.
"We understand that our relationship with Thailand is very close, and many of our people have family members as well as affairs there.
"But when unrest of this nature occurs, we advise everyone to exercise caution," he said.
The incidents have also affected movement at the Rantau Panjang Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex where outbound travel to Thailand registered a decline following the events.
Based on records from the Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA), a total of 1,696 outbound movements were recorded on Saturday before falling to 1,273 on Sunday and Monday.
To date, no Malaysians have been reported as victims in the series of attacks.
