Couples from Malaysia planning to marry in southern Thailand have been advised to enter the country through official channels and use recognised travel documents to ensure their marriage documents can be properly processed.
Malaysian Consul General in Songkhla Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi said entering Thailand without complying with its immigration procedures was an offence and could prevent the Malaysian Consulate from issuing a marriage verification letter.
He said the consulate must comply with Thai laws, even when couples require the verification for legal proceedings in Malaysia.
Ahmad Fahmi also urged couples not to rely entirely on agents to handle their travel arrangements, stressing that they should understand and comply with Thailand’s entry requirements themselves.
He said some couples still entered Thailand through unofficial routes, including illegal crossings and boats across the Golok River.
Although several illegal jetties have been dismantled and border controls tightened, Ahmad Fahmi said cases involving couples who entered through such routes still occurred.
He said entering Thailand illegally could leave the couples themselves facing legal and administrative difficulties, including problems obtaining official marriage verification.
