Facing the law: The four Thai nationals being escorted into the Sessions Court in Kangar, Perlis. — Bernama
KANGAR: Four Thai nationals extradited to Malaysia have been charged at a Sessions Court here with smuggling migrants across the Perlis-Thai border, leading to the discovery of mass graves in Wang Kelian eight years ago.
Arun Kaeofainok, 30; Jepha Lapi-E, 51; Somphon A-dam, 51; and Amree Nesalaeh, 58; were charged separately under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act before Sessions Judge Musyiri Peet yesterday.
All the accused nodded when the charges were read out in Thai by a court interpreter to indicate that they understood the charges against them.
However, no plea was recorded from them.
They were extradited to Malaysia on Thursday and arrived at the court complex yesterday morning under heavy police escort.
According to the charge sheet, Arun, Jepha and Somphon had allegedly and separately committed human trafficking against a Myanmar national, Mohd Belal.
They were accused of committing this offence between February and April 2013, at Bukit Wang Burma, Wang Kelian, in Kaki Bukit, Padang Besar.
The fourth accused, Amree, was charged with trafficking another Myanmar national, one Zedul Islam, between August 2014, and March 10, 2015, at about 5.30am at Bukit Wang Burma.
Deputy public prosecutors Muhammad Asyraf Md Kamal, VV Suloshini and Lee Jun Keong appeared for the prosecution while all the accused were not represented.
No bail was offered, since the offence is non-bailable by virtue of the provision in Section 13 of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act.
The court was told that the prosecution would file an application to transfer the case to the Kangar High Court.
Judge Musyiri subsequently set July 25 for mention to transfer the case.
Meanwhile, Bernama reported yesterday that the police hoped to have six more foreigners in the Wang Kelian case extradited to Malaysia to face the law.
Perlis deputy police chief Senior Asst Comm Baderulhisham Baharudin said the six suspects were believed to be abroad.
“The Malaysian police thanks all parties involved including the Thai government in ensuring the success of Op Wawasan Khas Wang Kelian,” he said.
In May 2015, Malaysians were shocked by the discovery of over 120 graves in Wang Kelian.
After investigations were carried out, the Malaysian government submitted an extradition request to the Thai government against 10 Thai nationals on Jan 6, 2017.
Both countries cooperated to track down all of them for extradition.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had announced the successful extradition of the four Thai nationals on Thursday.
He said the case involving the four men went through various court processes in Thailand before concluding in March this year.
