Malaysia Oversight

Five more Malaysians sent to Narathiwat prison for drug-related crimes

By NST in August 2, 2025 – Reading time 2 minute
Five more Malaysians sent to Narathiwat prison for drug-related crimes


NARATHIWAT: Five more Malaysians have been sent to Narathiwat prison this year for drug-related offences, bringing the total number of Malaysians currently held at the prison to 36.

Prison director, Superintendent Surin Chantep, said the 36 comprised 28 men and eight women.

“After six Malaysians, including the modern dikir barat singer Eda Ezrin, were committed to this prison in November last year, five more have been placed here in stages since January,” he told Malaysian reporters during a visit to the prison today.

He said most of the Malaysian inmates are from , with some already sentenced, while others remain in remand pending court proceedings.

When asked about Eda Ezrin’s condition, Surin said the prison authorities are awaiting a decision from the Narathiwat provincial court on whether she and five others would be released or have their cases brought to trial.

He added that Eda Ezrin is not experiencing any health issues and has not requested psychological assistance.

The Narathiwat prison, located in southern Thailand, about 60km from Malaysia’s border in Rantau Panjang, is a high-security correctional facility that houses both local and foreign inmates, primarily those involved in drug and cross-border crimes.

The prison, which operates under the Thai Department of Corrections, enforces strict security protocols and accommodates inmates in gender-separated wings.

The prison also serves as a remand centre for individuals awaiting trial and appeals, particularly those involved in cross-border criminal cases given Narathiwat’s proximity to Malaysia.

Over the years, the facility has held dozens of Malaysian nationals detained in connection with smuggling, trafficking, and illegal entry.

Despite its location in a region with periodic security concerns, the prison maintains cooperation with consular officials, including the Malaysian Consulate in Songkhla, to ensure the welfare of foreign inmates.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd



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