by BERNAMA / pic by BERNAMA

PATTANI — More than 8,000 Thai nationals stranded in Malaysia will be able to go back to their hometowns with the re-opening of four of Thailand-Malaysia border gates starting tomorrow.

Those stranded from March 23 following the closure of all nine Thailand-Malaysia border gates include food stall workers, fishermen, rubber tappers, oil palm plantation workers, students as well as those who came to Malaysia to visit their relatives.

Deputy army spokeswoman Col. Sirichan Ngathong said army chief Gen. Apirat Kongsompong has ordered all border units to be ready for the Thais who will be coming home.

“The army will facilitate the entry of Thais, check their health, and help take the returnees to quarantine facilities,” said Sirichan as quoted by Bangkok Post. 

On April 10, the government stated that all 23 border gates will be re-opened from tomorrow to allow stranded Thai nationals to return in stages.

The four Thailand-Malaysia border gates situated at the south of Thailand  will enable 300 Thai nationals to return home daily – 100 at Sadao in Songkhla and Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat; Betong in Yala (50 people) and Wang Prachan in Satun (50 people).

Local media reported more than 14,000 Thai nationals are still stranded in Malaysia.