NARATHIWAT: The Thai government has agreed on a plan to set up a flood wall along Sungai Golok, focusing on Rantau Panjang, Kelantan.
Narathiwat Governor Acting Sub- Lieutenant Trakul Thotham said the move would help solve flooding and prevent smuggling and other cross-border crimes.
He said the wall along the river on the Thai side, which was set up a few years ago, has helped to slightly reduce flooding and cross-border crimes.
"The move to set up the flood wall is good, and if it is true that the Malaysian government is planning to build the wall, we (the Thai government) welcome it as it is also good for the security of both countries."
Apart from reducing cross-border crimes, he said, the wall can also help address flooding issues for both countries.
He added that building the wall would prevent Thais and Malaysians from using illegal routes to enter the countries.
"They will not use illegal jetties anymore."
On Nov 5, the Kelantan government announced a plan to propose a 100km border wall with Thailand to the federal government.
Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said the project aims to combat smuggling and address flood issues
Meanwhile, regarding Narathiwat's relationship with Kelantan, the closest state in Malaysia to Thailand, Trakul said their relationship was good and they were like brothers.
"Our counterparts in Kelantan are always ready to help agencies on the Thai said."