Thai workers in Malaysia have begun returning home gradually to exercise their voting rights and participate in the referendum. They hope the new government will effectively develop Thailand and the southern border provinces.
On 6 Feb 2026 GMT+7, at Betong border checkpoint, Betong district, Yala province, opposite Bukit Berapit checkpoint in Perak state, Malaysia, Thai workers in Malaysia have been returning to Thailand through Betong checkpoint. They are coming to exercise their right to vote for members of the House of Representatives and to participate in the referendum on 8 February 2026 GMT+7, based on their registered residence.
Ms. Nisawatree Dakhamae, who traveled from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, early in the morning to vote in Rue Sor district, Narathiwat province, said she intended to return to her hometown in Narathiwat to vote. Thai workers at Tom Yum Goong shops have also been returning today, as only a few days remain until the election day on Sunday. She hopes that after this election, the new government will effectively and fully develop the southern border provinces.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Janya Saekow, who traveled from Malaysia, said she would vote in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province. She owns a shop in Malaysia and returned with her family. She expressed excitement about voting again. Her ideal representative is a good person ready to serve the public and not neglect people in the southern border provinces. She also hopes to see development across Thailand and particularly in the southern border provinces, especially in terms of the economy and people's livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Police Lieutenant Colonel Kritkorn Ichana, immigration inspector at Betong checkpoint, revealed that he has ordered immigration officers to facilitate and increase service counters to stamp passports for Thai workers returning to vote, ensuring everyone receives full convenience. At the same time, they are closely monitoring and screening Indian tourists and those with travel history to India in detail.
This follows the recent outbreak of the Nipah virus in some regions of India. Although the Department of Disease Control has clarified that no cases have been detected in Thailand, to prevent risk, officials have installed public information signs and distributed Health Beware Cards to travelers in risk groups. These provide knowledge on symptom observation and self-protection measures.