SUNGAI GOLOK: The Thai authorities allow Malaysians to enter Thailand only via three entry points, while all other routes are deemed illegal.
Thai Fourth Army Region 4 commander Lieutenant General Paisan Nusang said yesterday the three entry points are in Sungai Golok, which borders Rantau Panjang, Tak Bai bordering Pengkalan Kubor, and Buketa bordering Bukit Bunga.
He issued the warning following the crackdown by Malaysian police on the use of illegal Kelantan jetties for border crossings that began on Dec 1.
He said a similar warning was also issued to Thais travelling to Kelantan.
"I realise that Malaysians and Thais have been using illegal routes along the border for a long time. This has been their common practice for decades.
"I also understand this is a problem for the security forces of both countries.
"That's why some parts of the border have a security fence.
"The move has affected the daily activities of Thais and Malaysians, but they must follow the law.
"I see that strict enforcement by Kelantan police in the border area since Dec 1 has reduced smuggling.
"So I would like to remind the people to use these three legal points."
Speaking with the Malaysian press in Songkhla, Paisan said he planned to discuss this issue with his counterparts in Kelantan.
"People living along the border in Thailand and Malaysia have close ties. Most of them cross over every day."
On the number of Thais arrested since the crackdown, he said four people were detained when they crossed over to Kelantan via illegal jetties along Sungai Golok.
"We are waiting for the Kelantan authorities to complete their investigation and will take action against the four later."
He said the Thai army has likely stepped up security along the border following the crackdown.
On another note, he said illegal immigrants from Myanmar, especially Rohingya and Cambodian ethnic groups, used Thailand as a transit to Malaysia.
Meanwhile, an NST survey at the illegal Pengkalan Gergaji jetty showed Thai soldiers checking Thais who planned to cross into Malaysia.