Four men convicted in Wang Kelian mass graves case repatriated to Thailand

Four Thai nationals convicted of harbouring smuggled migrants in a case linked to the discovery of mass graves in Wang Kelian in 2015 were repatriated to Thailand after completing their prison sentences in Malaysia. — File picture by Sayuti Zainudin

First Published: Thursday, 12 Nov 2026 4:33 PM MYT

KANGAR, Nov 12 — Six Thai nationals, including four convicted in a case linked to migrant smuggling camps and the discovery of mass graves in Wang Kelian in 2015, were repatriated to Thailand yesterday after completing their prison sentences in Malaysia.

Perlis Immigration director Mohammad A’sim Md Ali said the four men, aged between 31 and 61, were extradited from Thailand to Malaysia in June 2023 to face legal proceedings.

He said the Kangar High Court sentenced them to five years’ imprisonment on January 7 this year after they pleaded guilty to charges under Section 26H of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (Atipsom) 2007 for harbouring smuggled migrants.

Mohammad A’sim said the court ordered their sentences to run from June 22, 2023, the date of their arrest.

“Two other Thai nationals, aged 32 and 38, who were also repatriated, had completed their sentences for separate immigration offences under Sections 8(3)(a) and 15(4) of the Immigration Act 1959/63. Neither was involved in the Atipsom case,” he said in a statement.

Mohammad A’sim said all six men were handed over to Thai authorities at the Wang Kelian Immigration Post near Padang Besar for further action in accordance with Thailand’s legal procedures.

“The repatriation was coordinated between the authorities of both countries to ensure an orderly handover. The Perlis Immigration Department appreciates the close cooperation and strategic ties established with the Thai authorities,” he said. — Bernama