RANTAU PANJANG: An exodus of Malaysian travellers heading to Southern Thailand for Deepavali kicked off today, with many crossing the border through three main checkpoints: Bukit Bunga, Pengkalan Kubor, and Rantau Panjang.
The Rantau Panjang checkpoint recorded the highest traffic, with travellers arriving as early as 7.30am, soon after the border gates opened.
Motorist Mohsein Abdullah said he and his family started queuing at Rantau Panjang at 8am.
"There were about 300 Malaysian vehicles ahead of me, and I reached the Sungai Golok immigration checkpoint around 11am," said the 43-year-old father of two.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat advised travellers to exercise heightened caution.
"We've seen a sharp increase in Malaysians crossing from Kelantan's three checkpoints since yesterday. All travellers, especially from Kelantan, should prioritise family safety."
He also advised travellers to use only official entry points, adding that they should avoid illegal jetties or rat routes along the border.
"Those driving their own vehicles must comply with laws in both countries," he said.
Since early October, Southern Thailand has faced 35 unrest incidents, including bombings by insurgent groups, resulting in four deaths and several injuries.
"These attacks have occurred in Pattani, Narathiwat, Yala, and Songkhla, with four violent incidents reported just this week," he added.