Cross-border Bridge To Malaysia To Improve Security

Cross-border bridge to Malaysia to improve security, says Thai Supreme Commander

BANGKOK: -- Thailand and Malaysia have agreed to build a cross-border bridge, more clearly demarcate the mutual border and conduct joint border patrols as well as annual military exercises, according to Thai Supreme Commander General Boonsang Niampradit.

In a press conference, attended by his Malaysian counterpart Gen. HJ Abdul Bin HJ Aziz -Zainal, the Thai supreme commander disclosed that construction of the Thai-Malaysian border bridge will begin early next year to link Su-ngai Kolok district of Thailand's Narathiwat province with Kelantan state of the neighbouring country. Construction will take about nine months to complete.

The cost of building the bridge, estimated to cost about one billion baht (US$28.5 million), will be equally shared between the two countries, Gen. Boonsang said.

With a Thai-Malaysian bridge, the authorities could more efficiently monitor and regulate daily border crossings by local residents on either side, the supreme commander said.

The Thai and Malaysian armed forces have agreed to conduct joint border patrols in border areas of Satun province and Malaysia's Pelis state and Narathiwat province and Kelantan state. A marine patrol will also be jointly operated on the Kolok River marking the Thai-Malaysian border.

The Land Ex Thamal exercise is scheduled annually between the Thai and Malaysian armies, while the Sea Ex Thamal and Air Ex Thamal exercises are scheduled semi-annually with the Thai and Malaysian navies and air forces respectively.

--TNA 2007-03-23