Two Malaysians Injured in Tak Bai Explosion Seek Transfer to Kelantan for Continued Treatment
NARATHIWAT: Two Malaysian nationals injured in a roadside bomb explosion in Thailand’s southern province of Narathiwat have requested to continue their medical treatment in Kelantan as authorities work to coordinate their cross-border transfer.
The two victims, identified as Abdullah Syarapi Abd. Rahman, 45, and Muhammad Yusri Udin, 38, conveyed their request during a visit by Assistant Secretary-General of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC), Rusdi Mali, at Hospital Ratchanakarin on Sunday afternoon.
According to information provided by the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 (ISOC 4), both men are currently in stable care while arrangements are being made to move them to Malaysia for further treatment. Thai authorities are working closely with Hospital Sungai Golok, which is serving as the coordinating medical facility for the planned transfer.
A source familiar with the operation said the transfer to Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II (HRPZ II) in Kota Bharu is expected to take place as early as the following morning, subject to medical clearance and logistical preparations.
The incident occurred at approximately 11.41 a.m. local time near Sapom Junction in Tak Bai district when the sport utility vehicle (SUV) carrying the two Malaysians was caught in an explosion caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) believed to have been planted beside the road.
Emergency responders transported both victims to Hospital Ratchanakarin, where they have since been receiving medical treatment. Hospital officials and relevant agencies have continued to monitor their condition while discussions on the cross-border transfer remain ongoing.
The proposed relocation to Kelantan is expected to enable the victims to receive continued treatment closer to their families while facilitating coordination between Malaysian and Thai authorities. Hospital Sungai Golok is playing a key role in managing communication and administrative procedures required for the transfer.
Cross-border medical cooperation between Thailand and Malaysia is regularly activated in emergency situations involving citizens of either country, particularly in areas close to the international border where patients may benefit from treatment at facilities nearest to their place of residence.
Authorities have not announced additional details regarding the investigation into the explosion. However, security agencies continue to monitor the situation in Thailand’s southern border provinces, where incidents involving improvised explosive devices have occurred periodically.
Officials are expected to provide further updates once the transfer process has been completed and the victims have safely arrived at Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II for continued medical care.
