Latest news with #WichanChaisetsumpan
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia, Thailand boost border security to curb illegal crossings
KOTA BHARU: Malaysia and Thailand are intensifying joint efforts to enhance border security, focusing on shutting down illegal crossings in the Sungai Golok–Rantau Panjang area. This move aims to curb smuggling, undocumented migration, and criminal activities along the shared boundary. Narathiwat Province deputy governor Wichan Chaisetsumpan confirmed ongoing discussions between Thai and Malaysian authorities to implement long-term solutions. 'The Sungai Golok Municipal Council has held multiple meetings with Malaysian officials to address these challenges. We are confident in gradually resolving this issue for the safety of border communities,' he told Bernama. The Thai government has already closed several illegal routes, particularly near the Narathiwat-Kelantan border. However, some crossings remain conditionally open under strict monitoring to prevent misuse. 'Certain routes are temporarily accessible when necessary, but surveillance ensures no illegal activities occur,' Wichan added. Since December 2024, Kelantan police have sealed multiple major illegal crossings along Sungai Golok, especially in Rantau Panjang, following reports of smuggling and undocumented migrant movements. Authorities from both nations continue coordinated patrols and intelligence-sharing to maintain border integrity. - Bernama
Malaysian Reserve
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
M'sia, Thailand bolster cooperation to shut illegal border crossings
MALAYSIA and Thailand continue to bolster bilateral cooperation to address security and smuggling issues along the border, particularly in the Sungai Golok–Rantau Panjang area, which has previously been a hotspot for cross-border movements via illegal bases. Narathiwat Province deputy governor, Wichan Chaisetsumpan, said the Sungai Golok Municipal Council has held several rounds of discussions with Malaysian authorities to find long-term solutions, including efforts to shut down several illegal crossings. 'So far, the relevant authorities from both countries are working towards finding the best possible solution. We are confident that this issue can be tackled gradually for safety and convenience of communities along the border,' he told Bernama recently. He said the Thai government, through its relevant agencies, has also taken similar measures by closing illegal routes, particularly along the Narathiwat-Kelantan border. 'However, several crossings are occasionally opened based on necessity, under strict surveillance to ensure no smuggling or illegal activities take place,' he added. Since December last year, Kelantan police have also shut down several major illegal crossings along Sungai Golok, particularly in the Rantau Panjang area, following concerns over the smuggling of prohibited goods, the influx of undocumented migrants, and cross-border criminal activities. — BERNAMA
New Straits Times
21-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Thailand finds no livestock drug smuggling, pledges cooperation
SUNGAI GOLOK: Thai authorities have not received any reports or evidence suggesting that drug traffickers are using livestock, including cattle, to smuggle narcotics across the border. Narathiwat Deputy Governor Wichan Chaisetsumpan said authorities are unaware of any cases of drugs being smuggled inside livestock across the border. "So far, there is no information or cases within our agencies about such a method being used to smuggle drugs," he told reporters when met here yesterday. He was responding to Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat's remarks last week, who said intelligence suggested drug traffickers were hiding narcotics inside livestock imported from a neighbouring country. "We received information a few months ago indicating that some cattle and goats, legally imported across the border, were not being fed by their owners during the quarantine period," he said. Malaysia shares a long and porous border with southern Thailand. However, Wichan said Thailand continues to work closely with Malaysian authorities including those in Kelantan to curb cross-border smuggling involving narcotics, livestock, and other illicit activities. "Both countries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently to jointly tackle smuggling issues along the border," he added. Commenting on the recent closure of illegal jetties along the Kelantan border by Malaysian police, he said similar action had been taken on the Thai side along the Golok river. "Illegal jetties on our side have also been shut down but we allow limited flexibility based on the needs of local residents," he said. Wichan also said that Thai authorities would allow Malaysians to cross the river, but only during specific times and under strict conditions. "They are allowed to cross at designated times, provided they do not carry any prohibited items. "Thai military personnel will maintain strict surveillance along approved routes," he said. Wichan was speaking after attending the closing of a boat racing competition here involving 40 teams including five from Malaysia. Also present were Kelantan Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Kamaruddin Md Nor and Sungai Golok Mayor Saleeha Mayutoh.
