Suai ko-lok: Thai citizens from the three southern border provinces are gradually crossing the border to exercise their right to vote. According to Thai News Agency, Thais from the provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, and Pattani, who live and work in various states of Malaysia, are returning home in large numbers as the general election for members of parliament and the referendum is set for Sunday, February 8, 2026. Immigration officials have highlighted the importance of using official checkpoints and warned against using unofficial border crossings. Malaysia enforces strict penalties for such violations, which may include fines and imprisonment. Inspections at the Suai Ko-lok District border checkpoint in Narathiwat Province have revealed significant congestion as crowds queue to have their passports stamped. Responding to the influx, Pol. Col. Poolsak Kaewseewhite, Superintendent of the Narathiwat Immigration Police, has directed Pol. Lt. Col. Thaninnat Panachinaporn, the Immigration Inspector of Narathiwat Province, to mobilize additional personnel. Special exceptions are being made to assist disabled people and children with a dedicated stamping lane to reduce processing times and ensure they can catch buses and trains back to their hometowns. Pol. Lt. Col. Thaninnat emphasized the importance of using legal entry points, warning that unofficial border crossings could lead to arrests given the strict regulations. Immigration police are fully staffed and on standby at all checkpoints to expedite the return of travelers. Reports indicate that many of these returning Thais also take advantage of the election period to visit their hometowns, making this an annual occurrence for those working in Malaysia.