KOTA BARU, MALAYSIA: Malaysians should not be afraid of visiting southern Thailand despite the current turmoil, but they should limit their visits to the daytime.

In assuring them of their safety yesterday, Thai Consul-General Surapon Petch-Vra said Malaysians had nothing to fear as they were not the targets of those carrying out the bomb attacks in the region.

However, he advised Malaysians to avoid visiting the areas at night to prevent any untoward incidents.

"Malaysians, especially those from Kelantan, can go to Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani. They will be safe.

"But since most of the bombing attacks occur in the evening, Malaysians should come only during the daytime.

"I give my guarantee that Malaysians will be safe," he said at a press conference here.

Surapon said the number of Malaysian visitors to the region had dropped since the turmoil started in 2004.

"Many used to go to Thailand to visit their relatives, and for shopping and entertainment but since the attacks started, many have become scared."

Surapon said he wanted to give a clear picture of the situation in the region to clear up any misconception.

"This is important so that there will be a closer relationship between Malaysians and Thais, and also to help promote tourism."

Surapon said several meetings had been held between him and local authorities in Kelantan to discuss border security.

He said they met recently to discuss the arrests of two Malaysian youths, including a student, in Sungai Golok a few months ago.

The two were suspected to be members of the separatist group RKK ("Ronda Kumpulan Kecil").

"We believe other members of the group are still hiding in Malaysia and we hope they will be arrested."