Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin is visiting Malaysia with the hope of improving relations between the two countries in a range of areas, including addressing the insurgency problem in the three southern border provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat.
In his capacity as chair of the strategic committee for the development of Thailand’s southern border provinces, Mr Somsak visited Kelantan State in Malaysia yesterday.
During his trip, he met with local businesspeople, including hotel operators, importers of frozen chicken and major property developers in Kota Bharu.
Accompanying Mr Somsak were Pasit Juthaputhi, the Thai consul-general at Kota Bharu, and three Narathiwat MPs from the coalition Bhumjaithai and Palang Pracharath parties.
Mr Somsak also held discussions with Pol Lt Gen Muhamad Zaki Bin Haji Harun, the Kelantan police chief.
Pol Lt Gen Muhamad Zaki said bilateral ties have significantly improved thanks to increased communication and coordination between MPs.
The Kelantan police chief urged Thailand to step up efforts to suppress the smuggling of illegal workers across the border, citing them as contributors to crime and drug proliferation.
Pol Lt Gen Muhamad Zaki was full of praise for the Thai government’s wish to have a cross-border bridge linking the two countries.
He said this could be accomplished but would take some time.
Mr Somsak said Thailand hoped to see it materialise soon, as it would enable people on both sides of the border to expand trade.
He said the Malaysian businesspeople he talked to showed interest in developing a large-scale private hospital and halal food businesses.
They also want to have an international university in the border area, he added.
A rail link between the two countries was also discussed, but it would be a challenge due to the different track gauges, he said.