The police have advised the people of Perlis to skip going to Thailand for now and help make a success of the ongoing 17th Malaysia Games (Sukma) in the state.

Perlis Police chief Datuk Zull Aznam Haron, who gave the advice, said they could visit the neighbouring country after the situation there had returned to normal.

"The situation there is volatile. Anything can happen. It is better for us to remain in this country," he told reporters at the Arau District Police headquarters, here.

Earlier, Zull Aznam witnessed the handing over of duties by Arau Police chief Supt Nazri Hussain to his deputy, DSP Ishak Baharom, who will act in the post.

Nazri, who has been promoted to assistant commissioner, will take over as the Kuala Lumpur Traffic Police chief in June.

The military declared martial law in Thailand to restore order following months of anti-government protests.