Kelantan police have officially requested that Thai authorities provide concrete evidence to support allegations that suspects involved in a recent deadly shooting in southern Thailand have escaped across the border into Malaysia. The incident, which occurred on July 22 in the Narathiwat province, resulted in the deaths of five Thai Army Rangers and left six civilians injured. Following the attack, speculation emerged that the perpetrators may have sought refuge in neighboring Malaysia, a recurring narrative after violent incidents in the region.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat stated that local security forces, including the Special Branch, have conducted thorough monitoring and found no evidence to substantiate these claims. He emphasized that Malaysian authorities have not received any formal requests for assistance in tracking the suspects. According to the police chief, such allegations frequently surface due to the shared border, but they often lack factual backing. He urged Thai officials to share specific intelligence, such as the names of the suspects, so that Malaysian police can take immediate and appropriate action.
Since taking office in late 2024, the Kelantan police leadership has prioritized the closure of illegal border crossings to curb smuggling and unauthorized movement. These efforts are intended to enhance national security and prevent the border from being used as a transit point for criminal activities. Police maintain that with these reinforced controls, the ability of suspects to easily cross into Malaysia has been significantly diminished.
Looking ahead, both nations are moving forward with plans to strengthen border infrastructure. Malaysia has approved a multi-billion ringgit project to construct walls and security fences along the border, with completion expected by 2029. Additionally, the Kelantan police have expressed support for a proposed 90km security fence by the Thai government, noting that such measures will improve oversight and cooperation between the two countries.