Kelantan Border Town: Malaysia’s Drug War Impact

Thai authorities acknowledge a “very serious” drug situation along the border with Malaysia, particularly in the Sungai Golok district, as smuggling routes become increasingly utilized. The issue has prompted Malaysia to urge Thailand to increase efforts to suppress the flow of illegal narcotics.

Drug Smuggling Across the Thailand-Malaysia Border

Phimon Chongrak, security division head of the Sungai Golok district council, stated the drug situation in his area has worsened over the past four to five years.

“Malaysia started to lose confidence in us and urged the Thai side to step up efforts in suppressing drug smuggling, since Malaysia itself has been enforcing strict measures against it,” Chongrak said.

The primary drugs trafficked from Thailand to Malaysia are crystal methamphetamine, followed by heroin and ketamine, according to Thai officials.

Authorities recognize the challenges posed by established local crossings along the Golok river. “When it comes to illegal jetties, they’re actually natural crossings that locals have used for a long time. It’s part of their way of life in Sungai Golok. If we completely shut them down, it would affect their livelihoods and the local culture,” Chongrak explained.

While Thai authorities “try to turn a blind eye and be understanding” about these crossings, drug smuggling is treated as a serious exception. “We’ve asked local people not to hide or smuggle them, like putting them inside instant noodle packages or other items. Drug issues are something the government takes very seriously,” Chongrak added.

Smuggling also occurs across the western sections of the border, where hills and dense forests separate the states of Kedah and Perlis from the Thai provinces of Yala, Songkhla and Satun. Smugglers have reportedly used routes to cross undetected, including holes in border fences.

Kelantan’s unique geographical features – its proximity to Thailand separated only by the narrow Golok river, along with flat land and residential areas extending to the riverbanks on both sides – have made it a major drug transit point, according to Kelantan police chief Yusoff. He reportedly made this statement in July.