Some 40,000 Thais repatriated from M'sia since first phase of MCO, says embassy

Some 40,000 Thai nationals have been safely repatriated from Malaysia through the air and border checkpoints back to their country since the first phase of the Movement Control Order (MCO) which began on March 18 to stem the spread of COVID-19.

A representative from the Thai Embassy in Malaysia said, about 11,000 more are expected to return through the Malaysia-Thailand Border Entry Points until May.

“However, not all Thais are requested or expected to return to Thailand,” said the representative in a reply statement to Bernama.

The representative also said specific Thai border entry points have been opened effective from April 18 – namely Padang Besar, Sungai Golok, Betong, Wang Prachun and Thammalung Pier.

However, the daily number of returnees is capped at 350 people as those who enter Thailand will have to undergo a thorough medical check-up and a 14-day state quarantine.

"Therefore, we need to make sure that proper treatment and facilities will be made available upon their entry into Thailand,” said the representative.

The statement said some 200 out of 500 Thai students are still in Malaysia during the MCO.

The Embassy has also been helping the students by providing survival bags consisting of dry foods and basic necessities.

“Since movements during (the) MCO are very restricted, the Embassy's effort to help Thais to return home especially via Malaysia - Thailand border checkpoints and sending them assistance packages would not be possible without the cooperation and prompt responses from the Malaysian authorities,” said the representative. - BERNAMA