NARATHIWAT, Oct 20 — Thailand and Malaysia are committed to strengthening cooperation in border development, security, trade, and investment in the southern border provinces of Thailand and the northern states of Malaysia.
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, who visited Kelantan today, said a proposal was made to build a second bridge linking Su-ngai Kolok district in Narathiwat province to Rantau Panjang in Kelantan.
Somsak, who is also Thailand's Justice Minister, said discussions were held with relevant agencies and the private sector to set up a halal food centre, a new private hospital, and an international university in the southern provinces.
“New infrastructure and development along the Thailand-Malaysia border will boost border trade.
“I hope this visit (to Kelantan) will help to restore relations between the two countries,” he said.
Somsak added it was the first high-level visit by a Thai official in ten years.
Meanwhile, he also met and discussed with Kelantan Police chief Datuk Muhamad Zaki Harun on security cooperation.
“The Malaysian police hopes to intensify efforts to crack down on the smuggling of illegal workers and drug trafficking across the border,” Somsak said.
— Bernama
