Thai, Malaysian Army Pledge To Increase Cooperation

By Mohd Haikal Mohd Isa BANGKOK, May 17 (Bernama) -- The Thai and Malaysian army have pledged to increase cooperation, especially along the border, following a meeting between their chiefs, Gen Chalermchai Sittisart (right) and Gen Zulkiple Kassim. Zulkiple (left) made an introductory visit on his counterpart at the Royal Thai Army headquarters here Wednesday, after being appointed as Malaysia's new army chief on Dec 16, last year. "The army chiefs of Thailand and Malaysia pledged to increase exchanging of military information between the two countries as well as cooperation on joint patrol and joint checkpoint along the common border," according to a statement from the Royal Thai Army. Cooperation between the two armies at the border, it said, would prevent and combat threats of terrorism, illegal border crossing, contraband smuggling, drug trafficking and other illegal activities. Both army chiefs also discussed problems in southern Thailand and the ongoing peace process. According to the statement, the Royal Thai Army thanked Malaysia for supporting development projects along the border in Sadao, Songkla and Kuandon district in Satun Province.(photoBERNAMA) -- BERNAMA