The group will be sent back to Thailand through Sadao checkpoint in Songkhla province on Sunday, Wallop Ploitaptim said.

Malaysia said the release of the Thais was intended to join in celebration of the 60 th anniversary of HM the King's accession to the Throne.

"Kuala Lumpur informed us that some of the group were arrested for illegal entry while others on gambling. We have sent our officials to Malaysia to verify their identities," Wallop said.

So far it is not found that the group have any criminal record or involved in militant movement that caused unrest in the southern provinces.

They were not among 130 Thais who were detained in Malaysia after sneaking across the border reportedly to escape violence in their home provinces, he said.

The Nation