On 9 September 2024, H.E. Ms. Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, accompanied by Mr. Raschada Jiwalai, Consul-General of Thailand in Penang and officials from the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur and the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Penang, met with a Thai volunteer group in Perlis and over 250 Thai workers in Perlis and Kadah at the Office of the Federal Land Development Agency (FELDA), Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia, whereby Encik Md. Zulkifli Md. Na’am, Regional Director of FELDA – Alor Setar, warmly welcomed the delegation.

 

The Ambassador expressed appreciation to the Thai volunteer group for their collaboration with the Embassy and the Consulate-General in protecting and safeguarding the interests of the Thais in northern states of Malaysia, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the volunteers had represented the Consulate-General in delivering food, medical supplies, and essential items to help Thai communities at their accommodation.

 

During the meeting with the Thai workers in Perlis and Kedah, Ambassador reaffirmed the Embassy’s as well as the Consulate-General’s commitments in providing supports and services to the Thai nationals in Malaysia, including consular services, ensuring of welfare for Thai workers, and assisting Thai nationals in distress. The Ambassador also highlighted three key issues to the Thai workers: (1) the readiness of the Embassy and the two Consulates-General to launch of the electronic VISA application system (e-VISA) starting from 8 October 2024; (2) on legal entry and employment in Malaysia, Thai workers were encouraged to follow Malaysian regulations and updates, as well as information through the Embassy’s and the Consulate-General’s online platforms, to ensure full entitlement to benefits in accordance with Malaysian labour laws; and (3) caution on phone scams impersonating Embassy and Consulate-General officials, and precaution against disclosing personal information the scammers, as well as cross-checking information received with government agencies before proceeding with transactions.

 

Following the meeting, the Ambassador participated in a prize draw and presented gifts to the Thai workers in a warm and cordial atmosphere. The outreach visit was well-received and appreciated by the Thai workers, as many have shown keen interest in consular services, thereby strengthening the relationship between the Embassy and the Consulate-General, with the Thai community in Perlis and Kedah.