KOTA BARU: Thai soldiers stationed along the border with Malaysia today assisted a pregnant Thai woman in Kelantan to cross the Golok River for urgent medical treatment.
A Thai security spokesman said the troops opened an emergency crossing along the river to ensure the woman could reach hospital in time.
“The soldiers were stationed on the Sungai Golok side when the incident occurred at 10.45am (11.45am Malaysian time). They heard villagers from the Rantau Panjang side shouting for help, asking for assistance for a Thai woman in labour who needed to cross the river for treatment,” the spokesman said.
Troops from the 3rd Border Defence Company under the Suriyothai Task Force immediately opened the crossing.
“With the support of a local organisation, the Seng Moo Tharn Nam Jai Sungai Golok Foundation, an ambulance was dispatched to the pickup point. Thanks to the swift response, the woman was safely transported to Sungai Golok Hospital, where doctors promptly attended to her condition,” he added.
The Golok River, which separates Sungai Golok town from Rantau Panjang, was once frequently used by traders and villagers from both sides. However, cross-border activity has dropped significantly since Kelantan police enforced a ban on illegal crossings, particularly through rat trails and unauthorised jetties along the river.
Police have also warned that those caught using illegal routes could face stern action as part of efforts to combat smuggling and cross-border crime.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
