KOTA BARU: Malaysia's Consul-General in Songkhla, Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi, refuted allegations that Malaysian prisoners held in Thai prisons were tortured and ill-treated.

He rejected claims on social media that a Malaysian 'dikir barat' singer and six others - who were arrested by Thai police in Sungai Golok on Nov 1 for drug possession - were being treated poorly.

Ahmad Fahmi said he visited the Narathiwat Provincial Prison today, where 31 Malaysian inmates were being held.

"I went to the prison this morning with Thailand's Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong and spent more than an hour there.

"I attended two meetings - each session about 20 minutes each - with both male and female Malaysian inmates, including the Malaysian singer.

"There were 31 Malaysian inmates there, including seven women. They told me that they were treated well and that the prison's management provided them with all the facilities they needed.

"I also inspected their cells, which have mattresses, blankets and prayer mats.

"There is no discrimination. The Malaysian prisoners are treated the same as Thai prisoners," he said when contacted.

Ahmad Fahmi said he offered encouragement to the prisoners and advised them not to give up in life.

"They may have committed offences but that does not mean the end of everything.

"I advised them to take this opportunity to learn and strengthen their religious knowledge so that when they leave here they can serve the country.

"This (the visit) is among the government's efforts to ensure that the rights of Malaysians abroad are protected," he said.

On Nov 1, six Malaysians, including a popular 'dikir barat' singer, were arrested by Thai police for possession of 6,000 'yaba' (methamphetamine) pills.

They were arrested at a hotel in Sungai Golok after crossing the border for the Deepavali holidays.