KUALA LUMPUR – Independent speaker Zamri Vinoth and activist Tamim Dahri were detected entering Thailand via the southern border last Thursday.
Thai security sources confirmed the pair crossed over through the land checkpoint at Sungai Golok, Narathiwat, bordering Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, using valid travel documents, Bernama reported.
“Preliminary reports indicate that both remain in southern Thailand,” a source said.
On Saturday, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail confirmed that Zamri and Tamim, who are being investigated in connection with separate cases, had fled to Thailand.
He added that efforts to track the two individuals are ongoing with assistance from Thai authorities.
Zamri is being investigated for statements made during a gathering in the capital on 7 February. The case has been referred to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC), which subsequently issued a charge under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, relating to statements intended to cause public mischief or which may induce fear among the public.
In addition, Zamri faces a separate investigation for remarks deemed insulting to the Indian community. This matter has been forwarded to the Penang Prosecution Office, with charges under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948.
Meanwhile, Tamim is under investigation for damaging a soolam, a sacred Hindu symbol, at an old temple site in Langkawi, Kedah. The case has been referred to the Kedah Prosecution Office, with a charge under Section 295 of the Penal Code. – March 15, 2026