Malaysian detained after allegedly presenting false documents to enter Thailand

A 38-year-old Malaysian man was detained at Thailand’s Padang Besar customs checkpoint after authorities found conflicting ownership documents for the Toyota Fortuner he was driving.

Captain Nitiphan Chanrasmi, commander of the Thai Army’s 5021st Infantry Company, said the man was detained at about 9 p.m. after failing to give a satisfactory explanation about the vehicle’s ownership. The inspection took place at the checkpoint in Sadao, Songkhla.

Thai soldiers and customs officers had stepped up checks as more Malaysian tourists entered during the weekend holiday period. They found a white Toyota Fortuner fitted with a suspected false license plate. The border pass listed the man’s name, but officers found suspicious discrepancies in the ownership documents and the vehicle authorization letter.

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The border pass listed the man's name, but there were suspicious discrepancies in the vehicle ownership documents and the vehicle authorization letter.

Nitiphan said the man initially refused to open the vehicle’s rear compartment. Authorities then used their legal powers to inspect it before taking him to Padang Besar police station for further investigation. Items seized included the Toyota Fortuner, a border pass, a G9 Pro GPS signal blocker and a special cargo manifest number.

Authorities may charge him with submitting incorrect documents relating to the unauthorized import of goods under the Customs Act. He also faces a possible charge under Thailand’s Radio Communications Act B.E. 2498 (1955) for importing radio communication equipment without permission. Investigators are also examining whether the Toyota Fortuner was stolen and being smuggled into Thailand.

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The authorities found a white Toyota Fortuner with a false license plate driven by a Malaysian man.