Key facts
- Langkawi, Malaysia, is being used as a base for smuggling operations.
- The islands are located 8km from Thailand's Koh Tarutao.
- Fast boats can cross the distance between Langkawi and Thailand in minutes.
Langkawi, a duty-free archipelago in Malaysia known as the 'Jewel of Kedah,' has become a prime location for smugglers. Situated just 8 kilometers (five miles) of open water from Thailand's Koh Tarutao, the islands are easily accessible by fast boats, which can complete the crossing in mere minutes. This proximity, combined with what appears to be lax maritime enforcement, has transformed the tropical paradise, popular with tourists, into a hub for illicit activities. The ease of transit across the short sea gap highlights the challenges in controlling cross-border smuggling operations in the region.