AN average of four Malaysian Muslim couples solemnised their marriage (nikah) in southern Thailand every day during the first quarter of the year.

Most of the cases were polygamy without the knowledge of their first wives, reported Berita Harian.

According to statistics from the Islamic Council of Narathiwat province (MAIN), 500 Malaysian couples tied the knot in southern Thailand, compared with couples from other neighbouring countries.

MAIN marriage registrar Ishak Mohamad told the daily that the “cheaper package” to perform the nikah in Thailand was one of the reasons why many couples chose to solemnise their marriage there.

Another reason was objection from families especially among younger couples.

“Besides the young ones, those who had their nikah in the province including VIPs who are Datuks, businessmen, lecturers and professors.

“We will accept them as long as they follow the regulations, have all the necessary documents with them and not go through illegal nikah syndicates,” he said.

Ishak added the cost for nikah was RM320 per couple.

To prevent Malaysian couples from being cheated by illegal nikah syndicates, MAIN provides marriage registrars at the mosques near the border like in Sungai Golok, he said.