Thailand pledges to protect Malaysians after a bomb blast in Narathiwat injured two, with compensation and tighter border security promised.
PASIR MAS: Thai authorities have assured that the safety of Malaysians entering the country remains a top priority after a bomb explosion in Tak Bai, Narathiwat, which recently left two Malaysians injured.
The Southeast Brigade Commander of the General Operations Force (GOF), SAC Ahmad Radzi Hussain, said the assurance was conveyed by the Deputy Chief of Thailand’s Neighbouring Countries Coordination Centre (NCCC), Gen Surathep Nukaeow.
He said Thai authorities had also indicated they would extend appropriate assistance, including compensation for victims, while stepping up border security to prevent criminal threats.
“The Thai government has expressed concern over the incident and assured that the safety of Malaysians will remain a top priority,” he told reporters after a courtesy call by Surathep at the Rantau Panjang Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex here today.
Ahmad Radzi said the meeting also focused on enhancing border security cooperation through existing bilateral mechanisms, especially in combating cross-border crime.
He said the NCCC, established about a year ago, had created opportunities for closer collaboration between the security agencies of both countries.
“Today’s meeting concentrated on cooperation between Thai and Malaysian security forces, with particular emphasis on the GOF in the Sungai Golok border area.
“We are not focusing on any particular case or incident, but on cooperation to combat cross-border crime such as drug smuggling, illegal immigration, arms smuggling and other criminal activities,” he said.
He said that any policy-related matters would continue to be discussed through existing bilateral mechanisms, while the NCCC would help expedite coordination at the operational level.
Meanwhile, Surathep said authorities in both countries have long shared aligned goals and policies in maintaining security along the border.
“We maintain a very good relationship with our Malaysian counterparts, with shared ideas and policies, and close cooperation through various platforms, including the Regional Border Committee meeting.
“There is no need for illegal cross-border activity as both countries have established legal entry points for the movement of people and goods,” he said through a local interpreter.
Media reports said Malaysians on holiday in Narathiwat, Abdullah Syarapi Abd Rahman, 45, and Muhammad Yusri Udin, 38, were injured after their vehicle was severely damaged in a bomb explosion on a road in Tak Bai district on Monday.
