M'SIA-THAILAND HAPPY WITH DROP IN CRIMES ALONG BORDER

JOHOR BAHARU (Malaysia), Nov 25 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian and Thai armed
forces are satisfied with the drop in crimes and illegal activities along the
border following close cooperation between them, said Malaysian Armed Forces
chief Gen Azizan Ariffin.

He cited the cases as human trafficking, entry of illegal immigrants, and
smuggling of rice, petrol and diesel.

He, however, did not give the figure.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Thai military commander Gen
Songkitti Jaggabatara after the High Level Committee (HLC) meeting here
Wednesday, Azizan said the joint border patrol between the two armed forces
along the border would be further enhanced.

"The collaboration between the Malaysian and Thai armed forces along the
border of the two countries is among the best among third world countries," he
said, adding that, however, the Malaysian Armed Forces had no plan to beef up
the border regiment.

On the southern Thai conflict, Azizan said the meeting did not touch on the
issue as the HLC was confined to the security, patrol management and
socio-economic development along the border.

The next HLC meeting will be hosted by Thailand in March next year.

-- BERNAMA