Malaysia-Thai Should Have More Cooperation To Develop Border Areas

ALOR SETAR (Kedah, Malaysia), Nov 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Thailand should enhance their cooperation to develop areas at the Malaysian-Thai border to enable both countries to benefit in the long run. The Thai Consul-General in Malaysia's northern state of Penang, Srirat Vathesatogkit said as consul-general for states of Kedah, Perak and Penang, she believed Malaysia and Thailand could engage in more people-to-people contact, as well as local government-to-local government connection. She said the cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand had existed for a long time, and both countries could have more development for the prosperity of its people along the border. "Most projects will be a link between Kedah and the southern provinces of Thailand," she said. Srirat was speaking to reporters here Thursday, after a courtesy call on Regency Council of Kedah chairman Tunku Annuar Sultan Badlishah at Wisma Darul Aman. Also present were Royal Thai Army Mej Jen Bovornrat Kajonnetiyud who heads the local coordination element, and Boon Som Inong, a senator representing the Siamese community here. Srirat said urged for dialogues between other relevant authorities such as immigration, custom, police and military to handle issues at the bordering areas. She said Malaysians of Thai descent (Siamese) could play an important role to help Malaysia and Thailand foster more cooperation for the betterment of both countries. "We need some time (to solve southern Thailand's issues) and appreciate Malaysia's role in lieu of talks between Thailand and the insurgents. We are on the right path," she added. "We thank Malaysia...Malaysia has good experience in solving problems like that, (just) as Malaysa did in negotiations between the Philippine Government and the Moro (Moro Islamic Liberation Front or MILF)," noted Srirat. She said there were more than 1,000 Thai students in Malaysia, and hoped more universities in Malaysia would help them pursue their education in the country. --BERNAMA