Thai military to fence Malaysia border

The Fourth Army Region is to build a barbed-wire fence along 99km of the mostly porous Thai-Malaysian border, from Tak Bai district through Su-ngai Kolok to Waeng district of Narathiwat, to prevent suspected insurgents and smugglers from freely moving between the two countries, according to Lt-Gen. Narathip Poynok, the southern-based regional commander.

Only a small section of the border in Narathiwat is currently fenced and equipped with lighting and CCTV systems. The Kolok River, which forms the natural demarcation line between Su-ngai Kolok district and Kelantan state of Malaysia, is narrow and shallow in some parts making it easier to wade across, particularly during the dry season.

The border fence project has been revived in the aftermath of the deadly insurgent attack in Ra-ngae district on Wednesday, in which five paramilitary rangers were murdered.

No details about the funding for the border fence or when the build will start are available at the time of this report.

Insurgent groups often seek shelter in Kelantan in Malaysia when fleeing suppression operations by Thai security forces. Many of them have dual citizenship.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s defence minister Lt-Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen offered a social media apology to the Thai media for asking them not to use the expression “hunting down” in reference to the military response to the recent deadly attack by insurgents.

He said that he was deeply saddened by deaths of the five rangers, but his appeal to the media not to use the expression has drawn negative criticism.

During his visit to Ra-ngae district today, General Chaiyapruek Duangprapat, the army chief-of staff, said he told the commander of the Fourth Army Region that it was about time for the security forces to “hunt down” the insurgents.