At least 56 Malaysians jailed in southern Thailand, 44 for drug offences, says consul-general

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 — At least 56 Malaysians are serving prison sentences in southern Thailand, most for drug-related offences, with one inmate serving a life sentence and another facing the death penalty in a murder case.

Malaysian Consul-General in Songkhla Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi said 44 of those imprisoned had been convicted of drug offences, primarily involving smuggling, while four were jailed for acting as mule account holders in online scams.

According to Berita Harian, the figures were compiled from records submitted by prisons across 15 southern Thai provinces as of September 3, although the actual number of Malaysian inmates could be higher because not all facilities had provided their records.

The prisoners are being held in six facilities, with more than half — 30 inmates — at Narathiwat Provincial Central Prison.

Another 12 are serving sentences at Na Thawi Prison in Songkhla, nine at Songkhla Central Prison, two each at Surat Thani Provincial Central Prison and Yala Provincial Central Prison, and one at Satun Provincial Central Prison.

Apart from drug and online scam offences, two Malaysians were jailed for immigration violations, two for theft, one for a firearms offence and three for other crimes.

The sentences range from one to 37 years in prison, in addition to the inmate serving a life sentence and the individual facing capital punishment.

Ahmad Fahmi said the Malaysian consulate was maintaining contact with inmates through regular prison visits, while also helping them reconnect with relatives back home.

He said consular officials typically conducted about five prison visits annually to check on Malaysian inmates and provide assistance where needed.

Meetings were also held at Narathiwat and Songkhla Central Prisons in March and June to advise prisoners approaching the end of their sentences on legal and immigration procedures.

“We conduct about five consular visits to prisons each year to meet Malaysian inmates. For those due to be released, the consulate will issue an Emergency Certificate to enable them to return to Malaysia,” he said.