Talks on security along Thai-Malaysian border

BANGKOK, May 5 (TNA) -- Newly-appointed Malaysian ambassador to Thailand Dato Jojie Samuel has held talks with Deputy Prime Minister/Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon on ways to strengthen security in deep southern Thailand and ways to boost bilateral trade, said a spokesman of Thai Defence Ministry. Talks were held Friday during a courtesy call by the Malaysian envoy to Gen Prawi, said the spokesman, adding that both men discussed ways to end violence in deep southern Thailand, measures to develop trade at Sadao customs checkpoint in Songkhla province, now under renovation while concerned authorities are amending regulations so that the border there could be operated round-the-clock. To date, bloody violence in the deep South has continued more than a decade and has killed and wounded several thousands of Thai government forces and civilians. Both men also discussed human trafficking, drug, illegal entry and citizens holding dual nationality-Thai and Malaysian, said the spokesman. Another major issue conferred by them was ways to solve fake news which caused problems to Malaysia while a general election is approaching, the spokesman said. Gen Prawit stressed that the Thai government is sincere in solving problem on people holding dual nationality and pledged to boost efficiency of Thai customs officials at Sadao for the mutual benefits of the two neighbouring countries, the spokesman added. (TNA)