Malaysian travellers report stable conditions in Thailand, dismissing viral claims of widespread fuel and essential goods shortages as exaggerated.
PETALING JAYA: Reports of panic buying in southern Thailand appear to be overstated, with conditions on the ground mostly stable apart from isolated incidents at border areas.
Businessman Muhammad Zaini Muhammad Nawawi, 43, who recently travelled to Thailand, said the situation remains under control despite viral claims on social media suggesting widespread shortages and rising prices.
“From what I observed, the situation is still normal.
The issue that went viral only occurred briefly at the border area, particularly in Betong, when supply lorries were delayed,” he told theSun.
Zaini said the congestion at petrol stations in Betong was likely driven by concerns over delayed deliveries, prompting motorists to queue as a precaution.
“In other places, everything is operating as usual.
I stopped at several petrol stations, refuelled my vehicle and did not encounter any major problems. Supplies are still available and there was no chaos like what is being portrayed online,” he added.
Zaini also dismissed claims of widespread shortages of essential goods, including household items, saying there was no clear evidence of such issues during his visit.
He said he received information from contacts in Satun indicating that Malaysian travellers are allowed to refuel without restrictions.
“I was informed that Malaysians are permitted to purchase fuel as usual, possibly with some level of prioritisation for tourists.
”Amirul Faiz, who is in Thailand at press time, said the situation remains largely under control despite claims that petrol stations are running out of fuel or temporarily closing.
“The confusion seems to stem mainly from diesel issues.
As for petrol, so far it is still fine,” he said.
Amirul said petrol supply has not posed a significant problem as there has been no cap for tourist to purchase petrol at the momennt.
“Tourists may not be fully aware of the limits.
But based on what I observed, foreign vehicles are still generally allowed to refuel without much restriction.
”He said throughout his trip, he was able to refuel his motorcycle and access food without difficulty, suggesting that essential services remain operational.
Amirul also acknowledged that certain locations might face temporary shortages of specific fuel types.
“In some places, certain fuel grades like RON95 may not be available, but alternatives such as RON91 are still being sold.
”He also dismissed concerns that Malaysians are being stranded or facing serious difficulties while in Thailand.
“So far, I have not seen any cases of Malaysians being stuck there.
“The situation is still under control,” he said.
Fitri Mohd Ghazali, 50, a businessman from the north, said while he noticed several petrol stations were not operating during his recent trip to Thailand, there were no signs of panic or mass hysteria among the public.
“Throughout my journey, I did come across a number of petrol stations that were closed – roughly about six to eight in total,” he said.
Fitri noted that the overall situation remained calm, with normal cross-border movement still taking place.
“I still saw quite a number of Malaysians around.
Whether they were on longer trips or just moving about casually, I can’t be certain,” he added.
He said his own visit was informal and not driven by any urgent needs or concerns over supplies.
Malaysians have been advised to defer non-essential travel to southern Thailand amid fuel shortages triggered by panic buying, raising concerns ahead of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive period.
Malaysia’s consul-general in Songkhla Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi said the advisory is particularly directed at those planning trips to popular destinations such as Hat Yai and Songkhla during the extended holiday weekend.
