Thailand and Malaysia have moved closer to an agreement on the transfer of prisoners so that inmates can serve jail terms in their homeland.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung discussed the issue at a meeting with Malaysian Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein on Wednesday, according to a report in Malaysia's Star newspaper.

Mr Hishammuddin believed that both countries would benefit from such an arrangement and hoped it would help in finding a resolution to the situation in the South of Thailand, the report said.

Having this arrangement “will send a message to crooks” that neither Malaysia nor Thailand was a safe haven to them, Mr Hishammuddin told a joint press conference with Mr Yubamrung, covered by The Star.

“Thailand is very keen with the arrangement. In fact, they are willing to implement it immediately," Mr Hishammuddin said.

“I think that is possible since we already have a law on the matter.” 

Mr Hishammuddin and Mr Chalerm also discussed several other security matters, including an extradition treaty and transnational crime.

The Star

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